Divico
Also known as: IRAC 2091
Divico
Summary
Divico is Switzerland’s flagship red PIWI variety, named after the legendary Helvetian chieftain who defeated Julius Caesar’s forces in 107 BC. Developed by Agroscope in 1996 and released in 2013, Divico represents the pinnacle of PIWI breeding—combining near-complete disease resistance with wine quality that rivals traditional premium varieties. With approximately 200 hectares planted and rapidly expanding internationally (including recent French AOC authorization), Divico demonstrates that sustainable viticulture can produce serious, age-worthy red wines worthy of cellar attention and critical acclaim.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #24679
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: IRAC 2091
Creator: Agroscope Changins-Wädenswil, Switzerland
Year: 1996 (crossing); 2013 (commercial release)
Name Origin: Named after Divico, chieftain of the Helvetii tribe who led the defeat of Roman forces under Lucius Cassius Longinus in 107 BC. The name symbolizes Swiss strength and resistance.
Genetic Origin
Breaking down the parentage:
- Gamaret: Swiss vinifera crossing (Gamay × Reichensteiner); provides quality, color, structure
- Bronner: German PIWI variety (Merzling × Gm 6494); provides disease resistance
Breeding Goals:
- Exceptional disease resistance
- Premium red wine quality
- Age-worthy structure
- Swiss identity and terroir expression
Result: Successfully achieved all goals; considered among the finest PIWI reds
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | VERY HIGH | Near immune |
| Powdery Mildew | VERY HIGH | Near immune |
| Botrytis | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Strong resistance |
Spray Reduction: 90-100% reduction—often requires zero fungicide applications
Significance: Among the highest disease resistance of any premium red PIWI
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~200 hectares (rapidly expanding)
| Country | Hectares | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | ~100 | Well-established |
| France | ~50 | Recently authorized |
| Germany | ~30 | Growing |
| Austria | ~15 | Emerging |
| Other | ~5 | Various trials |
Growth Trend: Expanding rapidly as quality becomes recognized
French AOC Authorization
In a significant development, Divico was authorized for French AOC production:
- Validates Swiss breeding achievement
- Opens large French market
- Demonstrates cross-border recognition of PIWI quality
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Mid-season
- Véraison: Medium-late
- Harvest: Medium-late (October in Switzerland)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Cool continental
- Heat Summation: 1,300-1,700 GDD (base 10°C)
- Swiss Conditions: Optimized for Swiss wine regions
- Frost: Good tolerance
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Various wine soils
- Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
- Swiss Sites: Performs on traditional Swiss terroirs
- Effect: Terroir influences expression
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot or cordon
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 50-70 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: ZERO to MINIMAL—key advantage
- Organic/Biodynamic: Ideal candidate
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Optimal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 22-25° | Good accumulation |
| pH | 3.4-3.7 | Moderate |
| Titratable Acidity | 5.5-7.0 g/L | Good |
| YAN | 180-280 mg/L | Generally adequate |
Phenolic Profile
- Anthocyanins: HIGH (excellent color)
- Total Tannins: HIGH (structured)
- Tannin Quality: Fine, age-worthy
Aroma Compounds
- Character: Dark fruit, spice
- Complexity: Develops with age
- No Hybrid Character: Clean, vinifera-like profile
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Quality red wine yeasts
- Temperature: 26-30°C
- Duration: 10-18 days
- Maceration: Extended (14-28 days)
- Cap Management: Regular punch-downs
Wine Styles
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | Standard maceration, oak | Balanced, elegant |
| Premium | Extended maceration, barriques | Structured, age-worthy |
| Reserve | Top selection, extended aging | Cellar wine |
Oak Aging
- Recommended: 12-24 months
- Type: French oak barriques
- New Oak: 30-50% for premium
- Effect: Enhances complexity; integrates tannins
Aging Potential
- Minimum: 3-5 years before optimal
- Premium: 10-15+ years
- Character: Develops classic aged Pinot/Gamaret notes
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Deep
- Hue: Ruby-purple
- Character: Excellent color stability
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Fruit | BLACK CHERRY, cassis, blackberry, plum |
| Spice | Black pepper, clove |
| Floral | Violet |
| Oak | Cedar, vanilla, toast |
| Tertiary | Leather, tobacco, earth (with age) |
Palate
- Body: Medium to full
- Acidity: Medium
- Tannins: FIRM, FINE (age-worthy)
- Alcohol: Moderate (13-14%)
- Finish: Long, structured
Quality Recognition
Divico has received recognition:
- Swiss wine competitions: Multiple gold medals
- International tastings: Frequently mistaken for vinifera
- Critics: Praised as proof of PIWI potential
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Availability: Limited nursery stock initially
- Recognition: PIWI stigma (fading)
- Market Position: Premium pricing justified?
- Appellation Rules: Not yet permitted everywhere
- Comparison: High expectations from name
Opportunities
- Quality Leader: Demonstrates PIWI potential
- Zero Spray: Environmental story
- Swiss Identity: National pride variety
- Age-Worthiness: Serious cellar wine
- International Recognition: French authorization validates
Winemaking Tips
- Treat like premium vinifera
- Extended maceration enhances quality
- Oak aging essential for complexity
- Allow sufficient bottle aging
- Market on both quality and sustainability
Swiss Wine Identity
Divico represents Swiss viticultural achievement:
- National Symbol: Named after Helvetian hero
- Research Success: Agroscope’s flagship
- Quality Statement: Proves Swiss PIWI leadership
- Export Potential: International recognition
Comparison with Other Premium Red PIWI
| Characteristic | Divico | Cabernet Jura | Regent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland | Switzerland | Germany |
| Character | Gamaret-like | Cabernet-like | Merlot-like |
| Tannins | Firm, fine | Firm | Soft |
| Disease Resistance | Very High | Very High | High |
| Aging | 10-15 years | 10-15 years | 5-10 years |
| Quality Tier | Premium | Premium | Quality |
The Name’s Significance
The name “Divico” carries meaning:
- Historical: Helvetian leader who defeated Rome
- Symbolic: Resistance and Swiss identity
- Marketing: Memorable, distinctive name
- Quality Signal: Premium positioning
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- Agroscope Research Station (Switzerland)
- PIWI International Association
- Swiss Wine Promotion
- Spring, J.L., et al. (2013). Divico: A new disease-resistant grape variety. Revue Suisse de Viticulture. Agroscope
Last Updated: January 13, 2026