Insights into the origins and genetic diversity of Australia’s oldest vines are being unearthed as part of a Wine Australia-funded project being carried out by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).
The project builds on more than a decade of work using DNA analysis to accurately identify grapevine varieties and clones planted throughout the country. A database of over 800 DNA sequences has been collected, with most major Australian varieties – including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Pinot Noir – identified.
Australia is home to some of the world’s oldest plantings of some winegrape varieties. This is due to the large assortment of grapevine cuttings that were imported into Australia during the 1830s and 1840s, before phylloxera devastated vineyards throughout most of Europe. Heritage vineyards are held in high regard, with the wines made from them often commanding a premium price. However, information on the clones planted may not be reliable or available.
The DNA from more than 300 individual vine samples were analysed from 54 discrete heritage vineyards or varietal sites which were assumed to have been planted prior to 1900. These covered seven varieties across eight different GIs. The oldest plantings were from a Shiraz vineyard in the Barossa dating back to around 1843.
The results showed that the heritage vineyards were planted with germplasm from multiple clones with different genetic fingerprints. Some genetic links were observed between vines from different sites, with connections more common within a region than between different areas. Genetic links to recorded clonal selection programs carried out in Australia were also detected.
Testing also identified anomalies where the DNA typing did not match the historical records on the clone. These discrepancies will be resolved in the final year of the project that is currently underway, drawing on independently-verified material from international sources where required. The team will then work with the owners of the material on the implications of results.
A full report of the findings from the analyses of the heritage vines will be available once the project concludes in June 2026.
Confirming the clonal identity of Australia’s grapevines, including the pre-1900 plantings, provides confidence in the identity of planting material, supports marketing claims, and shows how these heritage vines are related to more recently-planted clones. There is also potential to preserve them via the National Grapevine Collection program.
With this in mind, the AWRI recently launched a commercial service for clonal identification of grapevine material through Affinity Labs. Expressions of interest from wine businesses and nurseries who would like to trial the service ahead of its full commercial release are currently being invited. For further information visit www.awri.com.au/grapevine-clonal-identification-service/