About French Clones

There are 46 clones in France, the origin of Pinot noir.  Its finest wine comes from Burgundy whose clones are chosen for quality.  The Champagne clones are chosen for production and used for sparkling wine.  The first clonal selection was done by Raymond Bernard from Dijon in the 1950’s as was Chardonnay.

Characteristics

	Origin Native of Bourgogne. Many different phenotypes. 23,000 hectares planted in France, 1994.
	Ampelography Density of prostrate hairs at the tip of the young shoot: medium to dense. Green or yellow young leaves. Shoots with red stripes on internodes. Mature leaves: dark green or very dark green mature leaves undivided with three to five lobes slightly open or closed petiolar sinus opposite “Cock comb” shaped lobes toward the lower side short teeth rolled and strongly blistered blade sparse Roundish or slightly elliptic berries
	Phenology Time of bud burst: 2 days after Chasselas B (March 21). Time of maturity: 3-7 days after Chasselas B (August 14).
	Agronomic Behavior Particularly suited to temperate areas.  Under southern climates, it is sensitive to sunburn, maturation is fast and berries often become withered. Generally tied up. Best results in clayey-calcareous soils when vigor and yield are controlled. Emits much second crop fruit. Careful de-suckering is required.
	Diseases, Insects & Mites Susceptibility Delicate and sensitive to primary diseases. Particularly sensitive to: downy mildew gray rot grape leaf hoppers rot Brenner
	Technological Potential Clusters and berries are: very small: <100 gram clusters; <1.5 gram berries, to small: 100-200 gram clusters; 1.5-2 gram berries With favorable conditions, wines have long keeping qualities with strength, finesse, intensity and aromatic complexity. Must sugar content is high. Acidity is hardly medium. Color is weakly intense, but usually lasting. Also used for sparkling wines.
	Clonal Selection 50 clones have been certified. 15 are significantly propagated. Predominantly from the following regions: Bourgogne Champagne Jura

Clones of Interest

These have the highest ratings and produce elegant, full bodied, complex wines:

Clone	Description	A	B
114	ripening precocious; high quality; interesting for blending; sometimes irregular production; typical wines with aromas and tannins	x	x
115	regular yields; complex and powerful wines; wines very typical, rich and bodied	x
667	medium production: very high quality in Burgundy; intense color and well structured; requires aging; fine and aromatic wines with tannins and keeping qualities	x
777	very good quality; high color and tannin; good keeping qualities; complete and very typical wines; very adaptable to all situations	x	x

These have medium ratings and are more productive.  They make a good base wine, but should not exceed 25% of total planting:

Clone	Description	A	B
113	produces very aromatic wine; cane pruning; sometimes irregular production; balanced but light wines		x
292	sparkling wine clone; good quality when production is controlled; bodied wines–does not improve with sparkling wines elaboration		x
375	superior production; balanced, supple but fairly typical wines; does not age well		x
386	better for sparkling wines; productive; fleshy berries; light and fruity; improves with sparkling wines elaboration
459	superior yields; good quality (in some years with low yields, it rates in the highest group); balanced wines with tannins		x

A: This combination is recommended for long aging wines.
B: This combination is best for younger wines that are more acidic and aromatic.

Credits

The information on this page is adapted from

	“A Concise Guide to Wine Grape Clones for Professionals”, Second Edition, by John Caldwell Viticultural Services, June 1998.
	“Catalogue of Selected Wine Grape Varieties and Clones Cultivated in France”, by Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Ctps, Entav-Inra-Ensam-Onivins, 1997.