How Clones Develop
Over centuries, natural genetic mutations occur in grapevines. Viticulturists identify vines with exceptional qualities — smaller berries (more concentrated), thicker skins (better tannins), or disease resistance — and propagate them vegetatively (cuttings, not seeds).
Famous Clones
- Pinot Noir — Dijon clones 115, 667, 777 (prized in Oregon and New Zealand); Pommard and Wadenswil clones (traditional)
- Chardonnay — Clone 76 (Mendoza); Dijon 95, 96 (widely used globally)
- Cabernet Sauvignon — Clone 337 (popular in Napa)
Clonal Diversity in Vineyards
Many top producers plant multiple clones of the same variety in a single vineyard. This clonal diversity:
- Provides insurance against disease
- Creates complexity in the final blend
- Offers different ripening times for harvest flexibility
Massal Selection vs. Clonal Selection
Massal selection — cuttings taken from the best vines across an old vineyard, preserving genetic diversity. Favoured by traditionalists in Burgundy. Clonal selection — cuttings from a single mother vine, producing genetically identical plants. More consistent but less diverse.