Floréal
Also known as: ResDur 7
Floréal
Summary
Floréal is one of four PIWI varieties authorized for French AOC wines in the historic 2021 decision, and the most aromatic of the white varieties approved. Developed by INRA/IFV as part of the ResDur (Résistance Durable) breeding program, Floréal produces aromatic wines with Sauvignon-like character combined with excellent disease resistance. The name comes from the French Revolutionary calendar month of flowers (Floréal, April-May), reflecting its floral aromatics. With approximately 200 hectares and rapidly expanding, Floréal represents the possibility of producing aromatic, quality white wines with minimal environmental impact—a significant achievement for sustainable French viticulture.
Identity
VIVC: Entry #24726
Berry Color: BLANC
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)
Breeding Number: ResDur 7
Creator: INRA/IFV (Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique / Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin)
Authorization: 2018 (variety protection); 2021 (AOC use)
Name Origin: From Floréal, the eighth month of the French Revolutionary calendar (April-May), the month of flowers—reflecting the variety’s floral aromatics.
Genetic Origin
Parentage: Complex INRA ResDur breeding program
The ResDur program combines:
- Multiple resistance genes (pyramided for durability)
- Sauvignon Blanc genetics for aromatic character
- Robust disease resistance from hybrid material
Breeding Goals:
- Very high, durable disease resistance
- Aromatic character (Sauvignon-like)
- French wine quality standards
- Adaptability to French terroirs
The ResDur Program
INRA’s systematic approach to PIWI development:
- Strategy: Pyramid multiple resistance genes
- Result: Durable resistance unlikely to be overcome
- Quality: Match or exceed traditional variety quality
- First Generation: Floréal, Vidoc, Artaban, Voltis
Disease Resistance Profile
| Disease | Resistance Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downy Mildew | VERY HIGH | Multiple resistance genes |
| Powdery Mildew | HIGH | Strong resistance |
| Botrytis | MEDIUM-HIGH | Good resistance |
| Black Rot | HIGH | Good resistance |
Spray Reduction: 80-95% reduction vs. traditional varieties
Durability: Pyramided genes make resistance breakdown unlikely
Historic French Authorization (2021)
The 2021 decision was groundbreaking for French wine:
Authorization Details
- Maximum Area: 5% of estate vineyards (initially)
- Maximum Blend: 10% of wine
- Labeling: Must mention “variété résistante”
- Review Period: Performance monitored
Four Varieties Authorized
| Variety | Color | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Floréal | White | Aromatic, Sauvignon-like |
| Voltis | White | Neutral, distillation |
| Artaban | Red | Fruity |
| Vidoc | Red | Structured |
Distribution
Total Global Plantings: ~200 hectares (rapidly expanding)
| Country | Hectares | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| France | ~150 | Multiple regions |
| Germany | ~30 | Growing interest |
| Switzerland | ~15 | Established |
| Other | ~5 | Trial plantings |
Growth Trend: Fastest-growing of the four ResDur varieties due to aromatic character
Viticulture
Growth Characteristics
- Vigor: Medium
- Growth Habit: Semi-erect
- Budbreak: Medium
- Flowering: Mid-season
- Véraison: Medium
- Harvest: Medium (similar to Sauvignon Blanc)
Climate Requirements
- Ideal Climate: Maritime to continental
- Heat Summation: 1,300-1,700 GDD (base 10°C)
- Adaptability: Suited to traditional French regions
- Frost: Moderate tolerance
Soil Preferences
- Adaptable: Various French wine soils
- Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
- Effect: Terroir influences aromatic expression
Viticultural Management
- Training: Guyot or cordon
- Pruning: Standard practices
- Yield Control: 50-70 hl/ha for quality
- Spray Program: MINIMAL to ZERO
Enology
Must Parameters at Harvest
| Parameter | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brix | 20-23° | Good accumulation |
| pH | 3.1-3.4 | Good |
| Titratable Acidity | 6.5-8.5 g/L | Good retention |
| YAN | 180-250 mg/L | Generally adequate |
Aroma Compounds
- Thiols: Present (citrus, tropical)
- Terpenes: Moderate (floral character)
- Pyrazines: Some (herbaceous potential)
- Character: Sauvignon-like aromatics
Fermentation
- Yeast Selection: Thiol-releasing yeasts enhance aromatics
- Temperature: 14-18°C (preserve aromatics)
- Duration: 14-21 days
- Vessel: Stainless steel
Malolactic Fermentation
- Standard: Usually blocked
- Reason: Preserve freshness and aromatics
- Method: Temperature control, SO₂
Oak Treatment
- Standard: None
- Philosophy: Preserve aromatic character
- Alternative: Brief lees contact for texture
Wine Style
| Style | Method | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh/Aromatic | Cool ferment, no MLF | Citrus, floral, herbaceous |
| Textured | Sur lie | Fuller, creamy |
| Blend | With traditional varieties | Adds aromatics |
Sensory Profile
Visual
- Intensity: Pale to medium
- Hue: Straw with green hints
- Clarity: Brilliant
Aromatic Profile
| Category | Descriptors |
|---|---|
| Citrus | Grapefruit, lemon, lime |
| Floral | FLORAL (signature), elderflower, acacia |
| Green | Herbaceous hints, grass |
| Tropical | Passionfruit (in riper examples) |
| Mineral | Chalky, flinty |
Palate
- Body: Light to medium
- Acidity: High
- Texture: Fresh, clean
- Finish: Aromatic, moderate length
- Alcohol: Moderate (12-13.5%)
Comparison to Sauvignon Blanc
Floréal successfully replicates Sauvignon Blanc character:
- Similar thiolic aromatics
- Comparable acidity
- Fresh, herbaceous profile
- Blind tasting confusion common
Winemaker Considerations
Challenges
- Blend Limits: AOC restricts to 10%
- Recognition: Still establishing reputation
- Premium Positioning: Proving value
- Consumer Education: Explaining PIWI
- Labeling Requirements: “Variété résistante” mention
Opportunities
- Aromatic Quality: Best aromatic PIWI option in France
- Sustainability Story: Dramatic spray reduction
- Sauvignon Alternative: Familiar flavor profile
- Historic Significance: Part of French wine evolution
- Growing Demand: Consumer interest in sustainability
Winemaking Tips
- Treat like Sauvignon Blanc
- Cool fermentation essential
- Use thiol-enhancing yeasts
- Protect aromatics throughout process
- Market on both quality and sustainability
Regulatory Status
French AOC
- Authorized: 2021
- Regions: Available for use across French AOC system
- Limits: 5% of vineyard, 10% of blend
- Labeling: Must mention variété résistante
International
- Germany: Growing authorization
- Switzerland: Permitted
- EU: Increasing acceptance
The Significance of Floréal
Floréal represents proof of concept:
- Quality Achievement: Aromatic quality matching traditional varieties
- Sustainability: Near-complete disease resistance
- French Acceptance: Prestigious AOC authorization
- Future Model: Blueprint for sustainable quality winemaking
Comparison with Other Aromatic PIWI
| Characteristic | Floréal | Sauvignac | Muscaris |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | France | Switzerland | Germany |
| Character | Sauvignon-like | Sauvignon-like | Muscat-like |
| Aromatics | Citrus/Floral | Herbaceous/Citrus | Muscat/Floral |
| AOC Status | French AOC | Limited | German QbA |
| Disease Resistance | Very High | Very High | High |
Sources
- VIVC Database - Vitis International Variety Catalogue
- INAO (Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualité)
- IFV (Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin)
- ResDur Program publications
- French Ministry of Agriculture
Last Updated: January 13, 2026