Chile: Wild grape vines of Easter Island identified

Published Apr 5, 2024

Tridge summary

Recent genetic studies have unveiled the presence of six distinct grape varieties on Easter Island, dating back to the 19th century, including known types like País and Moscatel de Alejandría, alongside three native Criolla varieties and one unidentified variety. This discovery suggests an early intent to cultivate wine, a venture seemingly unrecorded in successful production from that period. The origins of these vines trace back to mainland Chile and potentially Europe. Interest in the island's viticulture was rekindled six years ago by winemakers Alvaro Arriagada and Fernando Almeda, culminating in the production of Rapa Nui's first sparkling wine last year, marking a significant milestone in the island's wine history.

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Original content

Wild vines that were found on Easter Island (Rapa Nui) have now been identified following genetic studies, confirming intentions to make wine on the island in the 19th century. The research paper was published just in time for the long Easter weekend, revealing Easter Island has been hosting at least six different grape varieties since the 19th century with multiple vineyard sites around the island. The grape vines, which have been left uncultivated for over a century, include País and Moscatel de Alejandría — two of the first Vitis vinifera varieties believed to have been planted in the Americas — as well as three native Criolla varieties and one as of yet unknown variety. The five known varieties reveal that the grape vines most likely arrived to Easter Island from mainland Chile, however the unknown variety remains a mystery. “Based on its SSR haplotypic pattern [the unknown variety] probably had a direct European ancestry,” the research article, authored by several ...

Source: Thedrinkbusiness