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In a region as steeped in tradition as Champagne, change doesn’t come easily. The strict regulations governing its production have remained largely unchanged for almost a century. Yet, in an effort to address the growing challenges of climate change and disease-resistant viticulture, a new grape experimental variety has emerged: Voltis. This modern hybrid is not only making waves but also potentially paving the way for a more sustainable future in Champagne.
Voltis Hybrid: Image from PlantGrape
The Need for Innovation in Champagne
Champagne’s distinctive terroir has long been shaped by its cool climate and chalky soils, creating the unique characteristics of the region’s sparkling wines. However, climate change has begun to disrupt this delicate balance. Rising temperatures are causing grapes to ripen faster, resulting in higher sugar levels and lower acidity. Additionally, diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew, fueled by warmer and wetter conditions, have become increasingly problematic for growers.
To combat these challenges, the Comité Champagne has been exploring more sustainable options that could help preserve the quality of Champagne while reducing the reliance on chemical treatments. Particularly as new legislation has been introduced recently which prohibits spraying various treatments within small distances of residential areas. Enter Voltis, a hybrid grape bred to resist diseases and adapt to evolving climate conditions.
What is Voltis?
Voltis is a complex hybrid grape variety, a product of years of research and cross-breeding of Villaris and a descendant of Muscadinia rotundifolia. It has been designed to resist fungal diseases like mildew. Unlike traditional varieties like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier, Voltis comes from a lineage that includes both European Vitis vinifera and American species, which are naturally more resilient to certain diseases.
This genetic makeup makes Voltis far less dependent on chemical treatments—pesticides and fungicides—which are typically necessary to protect traditional varieties in Champagne’s damp, mildew-prone conditions.
Early estimates suggest that using Voltis could drastically reduce phytosanitary treatments against fungal diseases by up to 80%, a significant step toward more eco-friendly viticulture.
Will Voltis Change the Taste of Champagne?
For a region so closely linked to its traditions, the introduction of Voltis has naturally raised questions about its impact on the aromatic profile of champagne. After all, the current regulations only allow three primary grape varieties—Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier—alongside four lesser-known grapes (Arbane, Petit Meslier, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris) to be used in the region’s wines.
The reason this hybrid was created, is actually to ensure that champagne can maintain its style in years to come, even if we cannot maintain the acidity of Chardonnay in warmer years.
Though Voltis was granted experimental status in Champagne as part of a 2018 initiative, winemakers and consumers alike are curious to see whether it will fit seamlessly into the complex flavour profiles that have come to define champagne. The Comité Champagne has reassured that Voltis will not replace the primary grapes but could complement them, adding resilience while preserving the region’s distinctive style. only a few producers have planted the grape since its release, and are limited to planting a maximum of 5% of their vineyards with it, and using it for no more than 10% of their blend.
The current land taken up to grow Voltis is 6.7 hectares total, so there is an extremely low chance to see it in any volume any time soon.
Michel Drappier, who planted Voltis as soon as it was authorised in 2021 said that it won’t be used for blending until 2028, and, if that blend was approved, it would not be able to be tasted publicly until at least 2030.
The Environmental Benefits
Beyond the flavour debate, the environmental advantages of Voltis are clear. By reducing the need for chemical treatments, Voltis helps minimise soil contamination and water pollution—two critical issues in modern agriculture. Additionally, fewer treatments mean less use of tractors, contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions.
Given that the Champagne region is striving to become carbon neutral by 2050, Voltis could play a role in helping growers achieve their sustainability goals. Its ability to thrive with fewer interventions makes it a cornerstone of the shift toward more natural, less chemically intensive farming practices.
Challenges and Controversy
While Voltis holds great promise, not everyone in Champagne is fully on board with the introduction of a new grape variety. Traditionalists argue that introducing a hybrid grape could dilute the authenticity of Champagne’s heritage, which has relied on centuries-old methods and varieties. Others are wary of how it might impact the image of Champagne on the global stage.
There’s also the practical challenge of integrating Voltis into a region where the regulatory framework is famously strict. Currently, the use of Voltis is limited to a trial basis, and it will take several years before it is widely accepted—if ever—as an official grape of Champagne.
At the moment, the Comité has given the hybrid a deadline of 2033 to show its true colours. If it has not proven to be a success by then, all the vines will be ripped up!
Is it the future of Champagne?
Voltis represents a bold step toward a more sustainable and resilient Champagne. As climate change continues to reshape global agriculture, the region is faced with a choice: evolve or risk falling behind. By adopting Voltis, Champagne is embracing a future that acknowledges the urgent need for innovation.
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