a film by Stéphan Balay
Vitis
prohibited
the return of the resistant grape varieties
video is coming :-)
Click on the image to watch the video (english subtitles)
AN UNPRECEDENTED DOCUMENTARY
FEATURE FILM ABOUT THE FORBIDDEN WINES
AND RESISTANT GRAPE VARIETIES
This is the incredible true story of “innocent” grape varieties that were deemed outlaws by the French government. Their grapes were falsely accused of being toxic when made into wine. Selling their wine was prohibited.
Their crime? They were grapes of resistance. Resistance to pests and diseases that, for more “noble” grapes, must be controlled with chemical sprays.
In spite of laws specifically banning these grapes from European soils and attempts to demean their wines, rebellious farmers have defended their value and defied their prohibition.
Resistant grape varieties may yet have the last word.
This film takes you inside stunning rural landscapes in France, Italy, Austria, Romania and the United States where the resistant vines are living history and their unique wines have a passionate following.
the curse
Everything begins in the XIXth century when the import in Europe of exotic vineyards interests particularly the botanists and the aristocrats. The Swedish scholar Linné, calls the European vineyard Vitis vinifera because it makes wine and the American wild vineyard Vitis labrusca. The botanical garden of Montpellier managed by Augustin Pyrame de Candolle makes him come with its plants and so certain American vines, as Isabella, arrive on our continent.
But this Isabella does not come alone, it is accompanied by two parasites: the powdery mildew (a mushroom) and the phylloxera (an insect). The first one destroys a part of the French vineyard in 1854 (then follows a big crisis with only 10 million produced hectoliters) and the second devastation almost all of the European vineyard in the 1880s.
So the phylloxera, discovered by the botanist from Montpellier Jules-Émile Planchon, arrives near the pond of Roquemaure at the domain of Manissy in Tavel. All the American diseases, even the black rot which was discovered in the city of Ganges in the Hérault, are the consequence of the American vineyards. And nevertheless Isabella, Clinton and other "criminals" vines are also the rescuers: we are going to use them because they actualy are healthy carriers.
phylloxera in France in 1882
The reconstruction of the vineyard takes time. The wine is rare and expensive. For a long time we favored the quantity before the quality. France goes out of a period of big limitation and thousands of tons of raisin were imported of Turkey to make an ersatz of wine.
At that time develops in parallel the sector of the grafting and the sector of the direct plan. The direct plans are European vines plants crossed with American wild vines and even with Russian vines. For a long time both sectors are going to live.
The cultivated vine Vitis vinifera around Mediterranean since several millenniums was frank of foot, that is not transplanted. Further to the phylloxera and after numerous tries of treatments, so expensive as fruitless, a solution to save the European vineyards was the grafting on tolerant American vine. The first attempts on American vines end in successes mitigated according to the ground. Today, stocks are hybrids between the American vines and the European vine, combining the resistance in the phylloxera of some in the tolerance in the limestone of other one.
phylloxera
Seeing that the American vines resist the diseases, the small farmers who are not wine growers plant these vineyards easy to cultivate. They produce a natural wine without chemical treatment and a taste they like. Vines develop alone and make wines which are not too badly made a success. They are cutting-edge ecological wines.
But no treatment in vineyards is badly accepted by the big industrial groups. Before we put only simple things in vineyards, as lime, but arrival of the phylloxera, the mildew etc. launches a chemical industry which quickly takes a very big importance. The industrialists are shocked to see that these vines undergo little the diseases and that in more we do not treat them. It is inadmissible. It is necessary to eliminate that, it is necessary to be able to sell chemicals.
Many ruined wine growers left in the French departments of Algeria to create new vineyards. In 1934, with the development of the phytosanitary products, the French production plus the French Algeria and the existing stocks exceed 100 million hectoliters. The government then wants to clean up the market.
Emile Cassez, Minister for Agriculture, suggests eliminating certain vines. The vote takes place on December 24th, Christmas Eve, members of parliament are in a hurry to leave… Isabella is thus chosen in the first one, then come all the crossed American vines: Noah, Othello and Clinton. This choice so confirms the thought of Freddy Couderc: "the pressure of the companies of chemicals is real because Aramon which offers an enormous efficiency but needs many chemical treatments was not forbidden". And to support their decisions, members of parliament assert that wines made from these vines produce "madmen and blind persons". Their production of methanol would be too high. Legend, rumor, or the truth, in any case, they are forbidden.
Two vines are added by political operation: Jacquez, very present in the President Édouard Daladier's department, and Herbemont added by the opposition to touch the Prime Minister, native of Toulouse.
communication of the French Government on blotting paper : uproot your prohibited vines
French winegrowers have to declare, voluntarily and on the honor, their production and tear away the forbidden grapes varieties. We estimate at more than 3 million hectoliters the production of forbidden vines, that is 60 000 hectares, in 1934, then 2 millions in 1938 and 220 000 in 1945. The politics congratulate themselves on their success and on the good faith of the French until the shock of 1953 when a land registry is organized. As a result: more than 60 000 hectares of forbidden vines are counted. Nothing was torn away since 1934! Actualy, besides the personal production, these wines were sold to the black market during the war because, in this period of limitation, the main part was to drink and to eat.
At the beginning of the 60s, certain Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, Minister of Finances, incites to the tearing with a 150 000 Francs (22 000 €) bonus. But his Tax inspector sparks things off in a publication which threatens the farmers of penalties, and which accuses these vines "relics of past" of producing some bad wine. The religious Catholics see an attack of the government against the Church there and refuse to tear away.
And worse still, they burn the car of the local chef of Institute of Consumer of wine and hold him. After being released he will choose the less risky position of sommelier of the famous Tour d'Argent restaurant. Finally Valéry Giscard d'Estaing increases the fine in 300 000 Francs (45 000 €), and the majority of the forbidden vines are torn away or almost
elsewhere
If the ban finds its origin in France, the European Union spread the limitations in all the member countries. Italy, Austria and other producing countries of wines are submitted to the same limitations.
By adhering to the European Union in 2007, Romania made a commitment to give up the vines which do not belong to the species Vitis vinifera or which do not result from crossings containing of Vitis vinifera. So, half of the vineyards of Romania lost the right of marketing, a loss of potential for this country which faces a real exodus of his population in search of a better life in other countries of the European Union.
In Austria a way to by-pass the legislation was found. Wines made from forbidden vines are called "wines of fruits". A mockery which always continues.
In Italy we find many Clinton in the region of Treviso. In spite of the tolerance of the legislation on the family production, Italian Clinton faces a real taboo in particular around the village feasts which celebrate this vine and are censored by the authorities.
In the United States, apart from the prohibition period that concerned all alcoholic products, these grape varieties have always been cultivated and consumed. Their resistance is particularly adapted to the terroirs and climate of certain regions, while the "vinifera" varieties are much less so. In the state of New York is the Concord Belt, the largest Concord grape growing area in the world. This represents a significant weight in terms of jobs and economy.
today
The ban, supposed to be revalued every 3 years, continues always 80 years later. But on the market of the village of Les Vans in Ardèche we sell the wine, in all the official receptions of both valleys we drink Clinton, we make even Clinton's brandy, of Cartagena of Clinton. Everybody knows that and that causes no problem.
Today associations ask for a revision of the ban and we can begin again to plant these forbidden vines. But is there a place in the culture and in the French taste for these wines there?
Freddy Couderc considers that the history of the relation in the wine is particular. At the time of the phylloxera, the wine was likened to the food. An underground worker drank 5 to 7 liters of wine a day. He gave the strength to a man to be able to work. Today we drink the wine for "pleasure". And it is exactly in these wines pleasures that these forbiden vines have a big place.
For Hervé Garnier the mentalities widely evolved, and in the profession, and in the public. Today we find more and more wines said "nature", and we still push the cork farther, we begin not to use anymore sulphites for the preservation of wines. It is possible, it is more delicate, it can produce a little bit particular wines but we find at the majority of the wine merchants there. The natural wine is rapidly growing. It is the beginning of the phenomenon which should not weaken.
The number of used phytosanitary products is phenomenal, we arrived at penetrating molecules, which enter inside plants. It puts real sanitary problems. In the long term it is not possible to put infinitely products on all the grounds. The future is in the vineyards which have a better natural resistance in the diseases.
Isabella became the main vine of India, under the name of Bangalore. It is also in Georgia, in Uruguay, in Colombia, in Brazil. It resists the cold, until -30 ° as in Korea. In Italy some made it of the flavor. In Canada, we find Concord which also resists the cold. Over there the vineyard Vitis vinifera does not hold, it dies. In Brazil we also plant Herbemont. As for Jacquez, it is the main vine of the Brandy in Texas, ideal sweet wine for the dessert, with a cigar. Why such a revival? For the same reason that they were popular in France in the XIXth century: their resistance.
The curse seems ended and is outlined a progressive return of these exiles. It is what suggests the "Fruits Oubliés" association in spite of a conflict of regulations. The French decree of 1934 which forbade these vines was repealed on September 6th, 2003. But the ban stays however at the European level: in theory, since 1999, the community general regulation authorizes the wine Vitis vinifera crossed with other species of the genre Vitis, Jacquez, Herbemont (Vitis labrusca) or other Vitis, in priori everything is possible. Unfortunately it is still written "excepted the prohibitions of 1934" without any documentary evidence.
The "Fruits Oubliés" association organized in Brussels on April 26th, 2016 a wine tasting prohibitions of several countries with both Members of the European Parliament Eric Andrieu, José Bové, president of the Agricultural Commission of the European parliament (Polish Czeslaw Adam Siekierski), as well as Klaus Rapf (Arc Noah - Austria) and Franco Zambon (Italy). After the tasting the elected representatives promised to support them with some more of vigour.
José Bové (on the left)
The activists want to break the legend: these vines do not drive crazy! Hervé Garnier, of the association "Mémoire de la Vigne" (Memory of the vine) cultivates a hundred-year-old vineyard of Jacquez. Only the members of this association can savor this wine. Did they become crazy? "We realized extremely sharp analyses on the wine, and the summary of the analysis is very simple: "nothing dangerous in your wine, except for the rare molecules of weed killers" used by the former owners". Gilbert Bischeri, him, keeps the report of thesis of a student in entitled pharmacy "The Noah, the wine which drove crazy", in which she demonstrates the opposite.
Also, at the request of the Regional Natural Reserve of the Mounts of Ardèche, a study concluded that "the wine of Jacquez thus contains a rate of methanol comparable to the one that we can find in Merlot, Cabernet, syrah or sauvignon, and is not thus more dangerous for the health, on the contrary its rate of resveratrol is very high". Resveratrol is beneficial for the health …
meeting of the wines of The Cévennes
tomorrow
The activists of the "Fruits Oubliés" association were received to the Ministry of Agriculture on April 12th, 2016. During this meeting the representative of the Secretary indicated that there is not problems anymore on these vines (in particular on the sanitary part) and that is allowed to cultivate it. He indicated that an answer to the complaints would be given, what was not made. So, without this document and according to the legislation in force (which plans a lapse of two months to the administration to answer) capacities expressed during this meeting become definitive.
A battle would thus have been won: that not to be worried any more, in the zones of traditional culture, in the motive to plant, cultivate, sell plants of forbidden vines, to consume, to offer, to sell, products stemming from these vines, in any case without fear of pursuits in front of a repressive jurisdiction.
However, if young wine growers are already ready to market wines developed with these vines, the regulations, it, remains ambigüe. The laws were modified but limitations remain: those of the authorizations of plantations and help which public authorities or statutory bodies can refuse. The candidates for the culture of the forbidden vines see their refused demands. Procedures exist to obtain satisfaction but the effects of the prohibition delay another culture freely.
But little by little the fight seems to bear fruit and it continuous wrestling: meals accompanied with forbidden wines are relieved in the local press and an international meeting of the forbidden vines is in preparation.
The enthusiasts-Resistance fighters do not lose hope and know that soon, on tables, Clinton, Isabella, Jacquez, Othello, Herbemont and Noah will not have to blush any more nor to hide.
new resistant grape varieties for pesticide-free viticulture
Aware of the limits of traditional organic farming, François and Vincent PUGIBET from Domaine La Colombette in Béziers opted for an original way, that of resistant grape varieties. Resulting from multiple crosses between traditional varieties and more rustic or wild vines, these new varieties are naturally resistant to powdery mildew and mildew. The vineyard thus constituted no longer requires any pesticide.
After a few years of experimentation, this a priori utopian idea became reality. Several dozen acres of the estate, planted with these new hybrid grapes have received no pesticides for 6 years: no sulfur, no copper, no magical fairy dust, NOTHING!
Winemakers from all regions of France involved in the planting of resistant grape varieties, decided to create the association PIWI France. In addition to the exchange of experience, wine promotion, and training, the goal is to influence regulatory decisions. To amplify these objectives, the association is obviously linked to PIWI international, which is now successfully working in other European countries, notably Germany and Austria.
French regulation in 2020
Classification of registered grape varieties in France
In order for a grape variety to qualify for commercial production anddistribution, it must meet two conditions: be included in the official catalogue and be classified there as a wine grape vine variety.
The first definitive classifications of resistant grape varieties took place at the beginning of 2017. However, some varieties only benefit from a temporary classification, even if they are officially permitted in their country of origin. It is then possible to plant experimental plots on limited areas.
Are these new grape varieties permitted for use in AOC (controlled appellation) wines?
Currently the answer is clearly no. Normally, in order for a grape variety to be included in the specifications of an AOC , it is necessary - in addition to its registration and classification in the catalogue - to prepare a file for the modification of the specifications with the INAO (National Institute of Origin and Quality). Each major modification of the specifications must be preceded by studies and trials.
The grape variety in question must be tested for ten years in the AOC zone before it can be included as an accessory grape variety, with a share in the blends not exceeding 10%. Any new introduction can only be made if it maintains or reaffirms the typicity of the AOC and its link to the terroir.
However, there is a legislative brake on the arrival of resistant grape varieties in AOP (Protected Designation of Origin): European regulations prohibit the inclusion of varieties resulting from interspecific crossings (EU Regulation 1308/2013), which is the case for resistant grape varieties (obtained by crossbreeding between Vitis vinifera and other species). Note: this does not apply to Protected Geographical Indication that may introduce grape varieties resulting from interspecific crossings in their specifications.
source : www.observatoire-cepages-resistants.fr
Resistant grape varieties authorized in France (total 35)
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4 developed by INRA’s Resdur 1 program: Vidoc (B), Artaban (B), Floréal (W), Voltis (W).
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13 developed in other countries: Bronner (W), Cabernet Blanc (W), Cabernet Cortis (B), Johanniter (W), Monarch (B), Muscaris (W), Pinotin (B), Prior (B), Saphira (W), Sauvignac (W), Solaris (W), Soreli (W), Souvignier Gris (R).
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18 early French-American hybrids: Baco Blanc (W), Chambourcin (B), Colobel (B), Couderc Noir (B), Florental (B), Garonnet (B), Landal (B), Léon Millot (B), Maréchal Foch (B), Oberlin Noir (B), Plantet (B), Ravat Blanc (W), Rayon d’Or (W), Rubilande (R), Valérien (W), Varousset (B), Villard Blanc (W), Villard Noir (B).
note of intent by the director
My family having ties in a small hamlet of Gard of the national park of the Cévennes, I often saw a bottle of Clinton on the table during meal between friends. My father, a provocative stalk, adores amazing his friends by making them taste this forbidden wine about which he alone knows where to get it. Since a few years the "illegal" sale tends to disappear, becoming on the contrary object of claiming. Claiming against our society to the tastes formated by the big industrial groups, the claiming for an environment-friendly agriculture, claiming to bring down a prohibition been imperative by hurdy-gurdies unfounded, unfair and obsolete laws.
In the french region Occitania, but also at our Italian, Austrian neighbors and somewhere else, associations form, the activists group together and make noise. So that today pounds, specialist magazines, press articles, television reports, blogs and other forms of media are closely interested in the vast problem and in the stakes which brew behind this subject. But to my knowledge no movie was made again on the forbidden vines, no documentary proposing an overall view, documented and at the heart of the subject was realized again.
It is this movie which I wanted to make, by giving the floor to the former which immortalized the tradition of the wine of vine arbour, to the young people who have a vision more structured of the potential of exploitation of these wines in terms of jobs and economic fallout, to the passionate activists who are of connoisseurs of these plants (wine growers "classics" do not maybe have so much know-how around these particular vineyards, in spite of or maybe even because of their "formated" career).
shots in the USA
By preparing the writing of this movie I quickly got in touch with the people the closest to the subject, with on one side the former one which still make their wine and young amateur and passionate wine growers who grouped together in associations to defend these almost forgotten vines, and from the other one, the researchers and the authors of reference publications following the example of Pierre Galet, eminent ampélographe from Montpellier (France) who dedicated its life to the study and the education of the vineyard and who, even today 96 years old, keeps publishing reference books.
I could not ignore the terroir of origin of these hybrid varieties : the United States and in particular the State of New York. A large number of native grape varieties are still grown here, as well as French hybrid grapes, which have made the round trip between the old and the new world. Lucie Morton, renowned winegrower consultant and former student of Pierre Galet, testifies to the close collaboration between American researchers and French scientists who have saved not only the European vineyards but also the Californian vineyards also affected by phylloxera.
When we are interested about the forbidden vines we realize that it touches a wide range of themes intrinsically bound:
It is at first a historical record fascinating on the way these vines won the heart of the botanists and arrived in France, then caused the disasters and the wine-making crises of the late XIXth and early XXth centuries. A great lesson on the debuts and the first impacts of the globalization which submerges us today.
It is then the scenario of a political and legal battle, that of David against Goliath, and whose final is not written yet.
It is also a look on our consumer society the wine-making sector of which seems completely standardized and formated by the industrialists with big blow of marketing. A history of the Taste which did not stop being a surprise and evolving.
It is another debate of ideas and testimonies in favour of an agriculture in better harmony with the country and the consumers.
It is also the societal portrait of a region: the French Cévennes and its proletarians farmers who came down in the coal mines with their bottles of Clinton, but also new farmers who propose an alternative way of working the earth, another way of envisaging the employment and the economy.
Stéphan Balay
The movie is supported by
the association Fruits Oubliés Réseau
and IGP Vins des Cévennes
.