Vidoc

Summary

Vidoc is one of four PIWI varieties authorized for French AOC wines in the historic 2021 decision, and the most structured of the two red varieties approved. Developed by INRA/IFV as part of the ResDur (Résistance Durable) breeding program, Vidoc produces deeply colored, firmly tannic wines with aging potential—demonstrating that disease-resistant varieties can produce serious, cellar-worthy reds. Named after the famous French criminal-turned-detective Eugène François Vidocq (founder of the Sûreté), the variety embodies transformation and dual nature—combining disease resistance with traditional wine quality.

Identity

VIVC: Entry #24728
Berry Color: NOIR
Type: PIWI (Interspecific hybrid)

Breeding Number: ResDur 10

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: Named after Eugène François Vidocq (1775-1857), legendary French criminal who became a police detective and founded the Sûreté—symbolizing transformation and duality.

Genetic Origin

Parentage: Complex INRA ResDur breeding program

The ResDur program combines:

Multiple pyramided resistance genes
Traditional Vitis vinifera genetics
Selection for structured, age-worthy character

Breeding Goals:

Very high, durable disease resistance
Structured red wine character
Aging potential
AOC-worthy quality

The ResDur Red Varieties

The two ResDur reds offer different profiles:

Variety	Character	Wine Style
Artaban	Fruity	Early drinking, approachable
Vidoc	Structured	Age-worthy, serious

This allows winemakers to choose based on intended wine style.

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 for lasting resistance

Historic 2021 Authorization

Terms of Authorization

Maximum Vineyard Area: 5% (initially)
Maximum Blend Percentage: 10%
Labeling: Must mention “variété résistante”
Review Period: Performance monitored

Significance for Vidoc

As the structured ResDur red, Vidoc proves that:

PIWI can produce serious, age-worthy wines
French prestige appellations can embrace sustainability
Quality and environmental responsibility are compatible

Distribution

Total Global Plantings: ~200 hectares (rapidly expanding)

Country	Hectares	Notes
France	~150	Multiple regions
Germany	~30	Growing
Switzerland	~15	Emerging
Other	~5	Various trials

Growth Trend: Rapid expansion among quality-focused producers

Viticulture

Growth Characteristics

Vigor: Medium
Growth Habit: Semi-erect
Budbreak: Medium
Flowering: Mid-season
Véraison: Medium-late
Harvest: Medium-late

Climate Requirements

Ideal Climate: Maritime to continental
Heat Summation: 1,400-1,800 GDD (base 10°C)
Adaptability: French wine regions
Frost: Moderate tolerance

Soil Preferences

Adaptable: Various French wine soils
Ideal: Well-drained with moderate fertility
Effect: Terroir influences structure

Viticultural Management

Training: Guyot or cordon
Pruning: Standard practices
Yield Control: 45-60 hl/ha for quality
Spray Program: MINIMAL

Enology

Must Parameters at Harvest

Parameter	Typical Range	Notes
Brix	22-25°	Good accumulation
pH	3.4-3.7	Moderate
Titratable Acidity	5.0-6.5 g/L	Good
YAN	180-280 mg/L	Generally adequate

Phenolic Profile

Anthocyanins: HIGH (excellent color)
Total Tannins: HIGH (firm structure)
Character: Structured, age-worthy

Fermentation

Yeast Selection: Robust strains
Temperature: 26-30°C
Duration: 12-21 days
Maceration: Extended (14-28 days)
Cap Management: Regular punch-downs

Wine Styles

Style	Method	Character
Classic	Moderate maceration, oak	Structured, balanced
Premium	Extended maceration, barriques	Age-worthy
Blend	With traditional varieties	Adds structure

Oak Aging

Recommended: 12-18 months
Type: French oak
New Oak: 20-40%
Effect: Integrates structure, adds complexity

Aging Potential

Minimum: 2-3 years before optimal
Premium: 8-15 years
Character: Develops tertiary complexity

Sensory Profile

Visual

Intensity: DEEP
Hue: Purple to ruby
Character: Excellent color density

Aromatic Profile

Category	Descriptors
Fruit	BLACK FRUIT (blackberry, cassis, plum)
Spice	Black pepper, clove
Herbal	Subtle herbs
Oak	Cedar, vanilla (if oaked)
Tertiary	Leather, tobacco (with age)

Palate

Body: Medium-full
Acidity: Medium
Tannins: FIRM (key characteristic)
Alcohol: Moderate to high (13-14.5%)
Finish: Long, structured

Style Description

Vidoc produces wines that are:

Deeply colored
Firmly structured
Age-worthy
Suitable for serious red wine production

Winemaker Considerations

Challenges

Blend Limits: AOC restrictions on percentage
Tannin Management: Firm tannins need aging
Market Education: Explaining PIWI quality
Labeling Requirements: “Variété résistante”
Patience Required: Not for early drinking

Opportunities

Quality Demonstration: Proves PIWI potential
Sustainability Story: Dramatic spray reduction
Serious Wine Market: Appeals to collectors
Blend Structure: Adds backbone to assemblages
Historic Significance: French wine evolution

Winemaking Tips

Extended maceration for structure
Oak aging essential
Allow bottle aging before release
Market as age-worthy, serious
Communicate sustainability credentials

Comparison with Traditional Structured Varieties

Characteristic	Vidoc	Cabernet Sauvignon	Merlot
Color	Deep	Very Deep	Medium-Deep
Tannins	Firm	Firm	Soft
Structure	High	High	Medium
Aging	8-15 years	10-20 years	5-15 years
Disease Resistance	Excellent	Poor	Poor

The Vidoc-Artaban Partnership

For blending within AOC limits, combining:

Vidoc: Structure, tannins, color
Artaban: Fruit, softness, approachability
Result: Balanced, complex PIWI blend

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