Asti Docg looks at resistant aromatic varieties and begins an experiment on Piwi to evaluate their authorization for cultivation in Piedmont in the future. Identifying innovative solutions to maintain quality and typical production by combining them with environmental sustainability: this is the objective of the experimental project launched by the Istituto di Istruzione Superiore Umberto I of Alba in collaboration with the Asti Docg Consortium. The study aims to evaluate the viticultural-enological potential of aromatic varieties resistant to the main fungal diseases, with an approach that respects the environment and, at the same time, the territorial production identity.
“Climate change forces us to rethink the entire production approach also in our sector”, underlines Stefano Ricagno, president of the Asti Docg Consortium. “In Piedmont, until now, resistant aromatic varieties had never been studied. As a Consortium, we have therefore decided to actively participate in this project, making available our know-how on the Moscato Bianco grape variety. Only through research can we identify innovative technical solutions for increasingly advanced and sustainable viticulture”.
Asti Docg, Piwi trials: the first experimentation on resistant aromatic varieties begins in Piedmont
The research activity includes the cultivation of a field owned by the Institute identified in the municipality of Alba and one owned by a company that is a member of the consortium. In both sites, Moscato Bianco will be present as a reference variety, alongside resistant varieties selected for the experimentation.
The first to be introduced will be Muscaris (using the T-bud grafting technique) while studies are being considered for the possible introduction of other resistant aromatic varieties.
From 2026 and for three years, weekly phenological surveys will be carried out (from budding to phylloptosis), production analyses (fertility in flowering, average production per vine and average weight of the bunches) and phytosanitary surveys to monitor resistance to downy mildew, powdery mildew, botrytis, infectious yellows and phytoplasmosis. Each variety will be tested on 50 grafted plants, with annual updates of the technical sheets and the experimental plan. The winemaking will be conducted according to a standard protocol for still white wine, in order to evaluate the organoleptic characteristics of the varieties being tested.
At the end of the project and on the basis of the results obtained, it will be possible to proceed with the submission of the application for registration of the aromatic resistant vines among those possibly authorized for cultivation in Piedmont.
