NBT vs. PIWI: Two Paths to Sustainable Viticulture

The Fundamental Question

How do we reduce viticulture’s environmental impact while maintaining wine quality and tradition? Two technological approaches offer answers:

PIWI: Traditional cross-breeding to create new disease-resistant varieties
NBT/TEA: Gene editing to add resistance to existing varieties

Both aim for the same goal; they take fundamentally different paths.

Method Comparison

PIWI Approach

Process: Cross Vitis vinifera with resistant wild Vitis species, then backcross repeatedly

Timeline: 20-30 years from initial cross to release

Result: New variety with mixed heritage (~85-95% vinifera after backcrossing)

Example: Regent = (Silvaner × Müller-Thurgau) × Chambourcin

NBT Approach

Process: Use CRISPR to disable susceptibility genes in existing variety

Timeline: 5-10 years from editing to release

Result: Same variety with targeted genetic change

Example: Chardonnay with MLO gene knockout

Detailed Comparison

Aspect	PIWI	NBT/TEA
Genetic result	New variety (hybrid)	Modified original variety
Wine character	Different from parents	Preserved
Development time	20-30 years	5-10 years
Current availability	Now (Regent, Solaris, etc.)	Research phase
Regulatory status	Fully permitted	Complex/evolving
Consumer perception	Generally positive	Mixed/uncertain
Appellation use	Limited (varies by region)	Future potential
Terroir expression	New terroir definition	Original terroir maintained

The Identity Question

PIWI Reality

A PIWI variety is NOT the same as vinifera varieties it came from:

Different wine character
Different agronomic behavior
New variety requiring market building

Example: Johanniter is Riesling-LIKE but is NOT Riesling

NBT Promise

Gene-edited variety IS the same variety:

Same wine character (if properly executed)
Same agronomic behavior (except disease)
No market repositioning needed

Example: CRISPR-edited Riesling IS Riesling (with disease resistance)

Appellation Implications

Current PIWI Status

Appellation Type	PIWI Permitted?
German QbA	Yes
Swiss AOC	Yes
French AOC	Very limited
Italian DOC	Very limited
Spanish DO	No

Potential NBT Advantage

If NBT varieties are classified as “same variety”:

Could be permitted in any appellation allowing that variety
No rule changes needed (potentially)
Maintains designation integrity

Example possibility: CRISPR Nebbiolo in Barolo DOCG

Quality Considerations

PIWI Quality Reality

Advances:

Souvignier Gris: Premium quality
Cabernet Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc-like
Divico: Serious age-worthy red

Limitations:

Always somewhat different from vinifera benchmarks
Requires market education
Some consumer resistance

NBT Quality Promise

Theory: Identical wine to unedited variety

Reality (to be verified):

Greenhouse trials encouraging
Field trials ongoing
Wine quality studies needed
Long-term verification required

Environmental Impact

Both Approaches

Potential reduction:

80-90% fewer fungicide applications
Reduced copper/sulfur use
Lower carbon footprint
Less soil compaction

Key Difference

PIWI: Available NOW for environmental benefit NBT: 5-10+ years from commercial availability

Market and Consumer Perspectives

PIWI Perception

Positive:

“Natural” breeding method
Proven track record
Organic movement supportive
Available today

Challenges:

“Hybrid” stigma (fading)
New variety education
Limited appellation use

NBT Perception

Potential positive:

Maintains beloved varieties
“Assisted evolution” framing
Traditional appellation compatible

Challenges:

“Gene editing” concerns
GMO association (despite differences)
Consumer education massive
“Natural wine” opposition

Strategic Roles

When PIWI Makes Sense

Regions without strict appellation rules
New wine regions (England, Scandinavia)
Producers building unique identity
Immediate sustainability goals
Organic production focus

When NBT Would Excel

Protected designation regions
Traditional variety preservation
Premium appellation production
Heritage variety protection
Long-term strategic planning

Complementary Future

Not Either/Or

Both approaches have roles:

PIWI today:

Immediate sustainability gains
New region development
Organic viticulture expansion

NBT tomorrow:

Traditional variety protection
AOC/DOC sustainability
Heritage preservation

Integrated Strategy

Forward-thinking regions might:

Plant PIWI for immediate benefit
Prepare for NBT adoption
Use both based on market segment
Leverage each approach’s strengths

The Hybrid Approach

Some research combines both:

CRISPR enhancement of existing PIWI varieties
Additional resistance stacking
Accelerated PIWI improvement

Last Updated: January 7, 2026