Piwi Souvignier Gris

Piwi Souvignier Gris is a relatively young and exciting white grape variety that is beginning to attract the attention of pioneering UK vineyards. A crossing of Pinot Gris and Seyval Blanc, this variety was developed in Switzerland during the 1980s and has since been recognised for its exceptional resilience in cool-climate viticulture. As part of the wider Piwi family of fungus-resistant grapes, Souvignier Gris represents a new generation of varieties that are helping to shape the future of English wine production.

The primary appeal of Piwi Souvignier Gris for UK wine growers lies in its natural resistance to downy and powdery mildew, two fungal diseases that present significant challenges in the damp British climate. By reducing the reliance on chemical treatments, this variety aligns well with sustainable and low-intervention viticultural practices, making it an attractive proposition for vineyards seeking to minimise their environmental footprint while maintaining healthy yields.

In the vineyard, Piwi Souvignier Gris is a vigorous and reliable performer. It produces medium-sized, compact bunches of greyish-blue grapes that ripen to a good sugar level in the cool, sun-limited conditions found across many parts of England. Its early ripening characteristics are particularly valuable in the South East region, where longer growing seasons and well-drained soils allow the fruit to achieve full maturity with relative consistency.

The resulting wine from Piwi Souvignier Gris grapes is typically pale to medium gold in colour, with a flavour profile that reflects its Pinot Gris heritage. Expect notes of ripe pear, fresh apple, subtle citrus, and a distinctive hint of honey or beeswax that adds complexity to the palate. The wine is usually medium-bodied with a pleasing roundness on the mid-palate and a clean, refreshing finish that makes it highly versatile at the table.

English Piwi Souvignier Gris wines are often compared to their Alsace counterparts, where the variety is also gaining recognition. With only one UK vineyard currently cultivating this variety in the South East, there is considerable untapped potential for this grape to expand across England's wine regions. As more growers explore Piwi varieties in response to climate pressures and sustainability goals, Piwi Souvignier Gris stands out as a variety with a promising future in UK viticulture.