Divico

Divico is a relatively new and exciting Swiss grape variety that has found a welcoming home in UK vineyards. Bred by Valentin Blattner in 1997, this variety is a complex cross involving Cabernet Sauvignon heritage, giving it exceptional genetic characteristics that make it particularly well-suited to British viticulture.

What makes Divico grape UK cultivation particularly attractive is its remarkable disease resistance. This variety shows strong resistance to both downy mildew and powdery mildew, which are common challenges in the damp British climate. For vineyards seeking to reduce fungicide applications or pursue organic certification, Divico offers an excellent solution without compromising on wine quality.

Divico wine England producers typically craft deeply coloured red wines and elegant rosé styles from this versatile variety. The wines often display attractive notes of dark berries, cherries and subtle spice characteristics, backed by well-structured tannins that provide good ageing potential. The grape's early ripening nature proves invaluable in cooler UK conditions, ensuring reliable harvest maturity even in challenging vintages.

Nineteen UK vineyards now cultivate Divico across diverse regions including Wales, Mid and North England, West Country, South East England, Wessex and East Anglia. This widespread adoption reflects growing confidence in the variety among English wine producers. Seven Divico vineyard locations welcome visitors for tastings, offering wine enthusiasts the chance to explore this emerging variety firsthand.

Only one organic or biodynamic grower currently produces Divico, but this number is likely to increase as more vineyards recognise the variety's natural fit with sustainable viticulture. English Divico represents an exciting frontier in UK winemaking, offering consumers distinctive alternatives to traditional French varieties while demonstrating that British vineyards can successfully grow innovative grape genetics that thrive in cooler climates.