A group of prominent independent Burgundian growers including Aubert de Villaine from Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Anne-Claude Leflaive from Domaine Leflaive and Pierre-Henry Gagey from Maison Louis Jadot have come together to raise their concerns over the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to viticulture. Citing questions over the decrease in genetic diversity of grape varieties, the risk of loss of typicity in wine, the risks of environmental dissemination and other unforeseen and irreversible consequences, the group is requesting ‘a minimum 10-year moratorium on any GMO vine and wine marketing, as well as a reorientation and total transparency concerning research and approval procedures’. GMO yeasts are being used in vitro to manipulate fermentations and malolactic fermentations. Amongst other things, yeasts and grape varieties are also being genetically modified to secrete varietal aromas and increase the synthesis of reservatrol respectively. The Burgundians have established their own surveillance and information committee to share and spread information and express the hope that other regions will follow their lead. In Australia the Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture is using gene technology to research developments in improving grapevine resistance to disease and fruit quality but the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation says that adoption of this research would only occur after a ‘thorough assessment of the technology and its products’.
