Characteristics of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) ‘Albariño’ Clones Resulting from Two Clonal Selections

The grapevine cultivar Albariño (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most economically important of northwestern Spain. It is also grown in northern Portugal. The present work examines the results obtained by two clonal selection processes involving this cultivar. The first of these was begun in 1987 by the Viticulture Research Group of the Spanish Research Council (CSIC). This involved centuries-old mother plants showing small ampelographic or agronomic differences. The second process was begun in 1989 by the wine-making company Bodegas Terras Gauda S.A. This involved the use of centuries-old ‘Albariño’ plants too, but also of other plants no older than 20 years of age. The number of mother plants originally examined in the CISC procedure was 40, but only eight were finally selected and planted (at the Misión Biológica de Galicia Research Station). In the procedure followed by Bodegas Terras Gauda S.A., 115 mother plants were originally planted. The characteristics of the eight CSIC clones and the 22 surviving Bodegas Terras Gauda S.A. clones were determined. The variability of the eight CSIC clones was found to be greater. It is recommended that candidate materials for use in clonal selection programs be examined for differences in situ before being admitted to collections.