Divico is the name of a Helvetian general, born in 130 BC and died in 58 BC. He served as the ambassador of the Helvètes to Jules César. Even if this historical fact is debated today, let us savor the delightful idea that this valiant Helvetian warrior had his place among the greats.
Divico is also the name of a Swiss red grape variety developed at the Changins laboratories. Known by the code name IRAC 2091 during its development phase, it is the result of a cross between Gamaret (a red variety) and Bronner (a white variety), both of which were also born in a laboratory pipette. There is nothing particularly romantic about the birth of this new variety, which its creators assure us is "designed for the viticulture of the future." Indeed, this variety possesses high resistance to downy mildew, powdery mildew, and grey rot—fungal diseases that plague the lives of winemakers. This would, of course, significantly reduce the use of phytosanitary products and thus improve our environmental ecosystem.
Furthermore, this variety produces moderate yields, which does not necessarily require the winemaker to thin the crop. They could therefore skip a tedious and arduous task. Unlike Syrah, whose trellising is a true labor of Sisyphe due to its shoots having an unfortunate tendency to bend, Divico has a semi-erect growth habit and is wonderfully suited to trellising.
Divico is a late-ripening variety and thrives under the benevolent warmth of Valais autumns. Aside from the fact that it is exposed to a risk of frost because it buds early, the cultivation of this variety seems perfect and promises a bright future for winemakers.
As for oenologists, they can look forward to vinifying a variety that reportedly has "the necessary capacity to produce wines very rich in color and high-quality tannins." We are eager to savor this new nectar.
Divico is not the first grape variety to emerge from a laboratory. Gamaret, Garanoir, Diolinoir, Carminoir, and Galotta have been populating our vineyards for several years. They are the grape varieties of the future, perfectly adapted to our changing environment. Initial skepticism has given way, notably, to an increasingly difficult and demanding economic and environmental reality. We commend the efforts of our researchers, who continually strive to make our daily lives easier.
Would you like another glass of Divico? It sounds rather good, doesn't it?
