Grapevine named `Catena Malbec Clone 16`

Abstract

A distinct Malbec grape variety from Mendoza Argentina, herewith denominated ‘Catena Malbec Clone 16’ which shows a unique vineyard and winemaking profile from the rest of the Malbec grapevine population in Mendoza, Argentina. This Malbec grape variety is characterized by its small cluster size and medium cluster weight; very compact cluster form; very small berry size and weight; medium vigor; medium to high level of millendrage (shot berries); very high level of polyphenols and tannins; very high aromatic intensity and mid palate flavor depth.

Description

[0001]Botanical / commercial classification: Vitis vinifera L. Variety Denomination: ‘Catena Malbec Clone 16’.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Once known as a variety of Bordeaux, the Malbec grape is now being cultivated in South America, including Argentina. Malbec grapes produce outstanding red wines with characteristics that generally fall somewhere between Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.[0003]Historically, Argentine vintners did not engage in selecting grape varieties. A less than rigorous attention to grape variety selection meant that Malbec vineyards in Mendoza consisted of populations of a highly heterogeneous, haphazard mix of grape varieties throughout the vineyard. There is a need for distinct Malbec grape varieties with improved quality based characteristics such as low yield, plant balance, and fruit concentration.[0004]In the following description, the color-coding is in accordance with The Horticultural Colour Chart of the Royal Horticultural Society, London, England (R....

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]The present invention relates to a newly selected and distinct Malbec grape variety of the Malbec grapevine, Vitis vinifera L., which will hereinafter be denominated as the ‘Catena Malbec Clone 16’. It is originating from a mother grape plant that was selected in 1992 from a diverse Malbec grapevine population and which has been asexually reproduced by self rooted cuttings. The mother plant, however, is different from the other Malbec varieties in at least, but not limited to, the attributes as specified in detail below. ‘Catena Malbec Clone 16’ has low cluster size and medium cluster weight; very compact cluster form; very small berry size and weight; medium vigor; medium to high level of millendrage (shot berries); very high level of polyphenols and tannins; very high aromatic intensity and mid palate flavor depth.

Problems solved by technology

A less than rigorous attention to grape variety selection meant that Malbec vineyards in Mendoza consisted of populations of a highly heterogeneous, haphazard mix of grape varieties throughout the vineyard.

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