Paulsen 1103

Pinotage

Vititec Sauvignon blanc clones

Grachen

SA Vitis Varietal list July 2025

Exciting New ENTAV-INRA Clones Enhance South Africa’s Wine Industry

Since concluding an import contract with ENTAV in 2006, Vititec has made significant strides in enriching South Africa’s viticulture landscape, importing 33 new cultivars and 90 new clones from France. The latest batch, received from plant quarantine in July 2025, introduces a selection of high-performing and disease-resistant clones poised to elevate local wine production. 

Voltis

 Latest Imports: 

The July 2025 imports include a range of cultivars and clones tailored to meet diverse production and quality needs: 

    • Chardonnay 132: High-yielding, ideal for sparkling wine production. 

    • Chardonnay 1067: Moderate yield with exceptional wine quality. 

    • Chenin Blanc 416: High yielding, producing wines true to the cultivar’s character. 

    • Sauvignon Blanc 107 & 160: Both high yielding, delivering wines representative of the cultivar. 

    • Voltis 1266: A disease-resistant cultivar, offering resilience against fungal diseases. 

    • 101-14 Mgt 759: A promising addition for rootstock purposes. 

The imports of Chardonnay 132, Chenin Blanc 416, and Sauvignon Blanc 107 and 160 aim to release high-production clones into the market, boosting yields for local growers. Meanwhile, Chardonnay 1067 and Voltis 1266 are re-imports of selections that previously did not survive quarantine. 

 Expanding the Vineyard: Mother and Foundation Blocks 

Of the ENTAV imports, 73 new clones have already been planted in Mother or Foundation blocks, ensuring the availability of certified, high-quality planting material for South African producers. The 20 most widely planted ENTAV clones in these blocks are detailed in the accompanying table

 

Sauvignon gris

 Origin - France

This cultivar is a grey mutation of Sauvignon blanc

Imported from ENTAV, France in 2013.

First grafted in 2016 in Stellenbosch.

Plantings in 2024:

Foundation Blocks – 419

Mother Blocks - 2021

Description

The description matches that of Sauvignon blanc, except the skin color of ripe berries, which in this case, is usually grey or sometimes pink.

Phenology

Time of bud burst: 3 days after Sauvignon blanc

Time of maturity: early mid season, same as Sauvignon blanc.

Production

Sauvignon gris is less productive than Sauvignon blanc.

Susceptibility to diseases and pests

The susceptibility of this cultivar is very similar to Sauvignon blanc.

Clone

GX 917 – average production, wine are full bodied and aromatic

Type of wine/Flavours

Sauvignon Gris typically has a more subdued aromatic profile compared to Sauvignon Blanc. It features notes of white peach, elderflower, nectarine, and lavender, with succulent passionfruit and quince flavors in the mid-palate.

Texture: Wines made from Sauvignon Gris often exhibit a silky texture with a slight waxiness, contributing to a richer mouthfeel. This varietal has high sugar content and good acidity, creating a balance between sweetness and freshness. The overall flavor is rounder and less aggressive compared to Sauvignon Blanc