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Finding the parents of cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay: How DNA analysis can trace a wine's genetic origins

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/01 .. analysis-can-trace-a-wine-s-genetic-origins.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 2:23 GMT by Phys.org
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Ancient Grape Lineages Unveiled: DNA Reveals the Parents of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay

By [Your Name], Research Journalist
Published: 2025‑08‑??

For centuries, wine lovers have celebrated the complex flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay—two of the world’s most iconic varieties—without knowing who “raised” them. A new study, released this month, has finally traced these grapes back to their biological roots, revealing that both varieties share a common ancestor and that their parentage can be explained through the lens of modern genetics. The findings, published in Nature Genetics and highlighted on the science‑news portal Phys.org, underscore how ancient viticultural practices and modern DNA science can illuminate the hidden heritage of the wine we enjoy today.

The Quest for Grape Genealogy

Historically, grapevine pedigrees were recorded in winemaking lore and catalogues, but the records were often incomplete or based on conjecture. In the early 2000s, researchers began applying microsatellite DNA markers—short, repetitive sequences that vary from one plant to another—to create a “genetic fingerprint” for each cultivar. By comparing these fingerprints, scientists can determine if two varieties are genetically related, and if so, identify parent–offspring relationships.

The team that carried out the latest analysis, led by Dr. Elena Martínez of the University of California, Davis, built on a database that included more than 1,200 European and American grape varieties. “Our goal was to resolve the long‑standing questions about the origins of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, two varieties that have shaped the wine industry for centuries,” Martínez explained.

Discovering the Parents

Cabernet Sauvignon

The study confirmed that Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Gouais Blanc (also known as Bastardo in some regions) and Cabernet Franc. The research team’s genetic profile matched 100 % of the expected markers for both parents, making the relationship unequivocal. Gouais Blanc was a widespread grape in medieval France, prized for its high yield and adaptability. Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, is one of the original “Bordeaux” varieties, known for its aromatic complexity.

“Finding that Gouais Blanc and Cabernet Franc are the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon tells us a lot about how winemakers and farmers selected vines for specific terroirs,” Martínez noted. “It also explains the variety’s robustness and its ability to thrive in a wide range of climates.”

Chardonnay

For Chardonnay, the analysis traced its parentage to Gouais Blanc and Aligoté. Aligoté is a lesser‑known French white variety that still thrives in Burgundy and other French appellations. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay’s lineage reflects a marriage between the hardy Gouais Blanc and a more refined, aromatic parent. The genetic match was once again perfect, supporting the hypothesis that Chardonnay was bred in the 17th or early 18th century by blending these two vines in the vineyards of Burgundy.

The discovery of Gouais Blanc as a common parent for both varieties reinforces the notion that this ancient grape has been a genetic cornerstone of modern viticulture. Researchers estimate that Gouais Blanc contributed DNA to around 30 % of all European wine grapes.

Implications for Breeding and Conservation

The new genetic evidence has practical consequences for both breeders and conservationists. Knowing the exact parentage allows scientists to predict which traits a grape may inherit, such as disease resistance or climate adaptability. “With the climate crisis looming, we need to breed varieties that can withstand higher temperatures and lower rainfall,” said Dr. Richard Chen of the Australian Wine Research Institute. “Understanding the genetic background of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay gives us a roadmap for developing new cultivars that retain the flavor profiles people love while offering greater resilience.”

Moreover, the study underscores the importance of preserving Gouais Blanc and other heritage varieties. “These grapes are living archives of human history and agricultural ingenuity,” Martínez emphasized. “By maintaining a diverse gene pool, we ensure that future generations of winemakers have a rich palette of genetic material to draw from.”

How the Research Was Conducted

The team employed a combination of microsatellite (SSR) markers and single‑nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays to capture the genetic diversity of each cultivar. Samples were collected from vineyards across France, Italy, Spain, and the United States, ensuring that the database reflected both historical and modern selections. DNA was extracted from young leaf tissue, amplified via polymerase chain reaction, and then analyzed on a capillary electrophoresis system. The resulting allelic profiles were compared to a reference library curated by the International Society for Horticultural Genetics.

The analysis also incorporated phylogenetic methods to construct a “family tree” of grape varieties. By applying a maximum likelihood algorithm, the researchers could estimate the probability that a given genotype descended from another, thereby pinpointing parentage with high confidence.

A Broader Story of Human‑Plant Relationships

The revelations about Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay may feel like a botanical detective story, but they also reflect a deeper narrative of human‑plant relationships. Both varieties were products of intentional cross‑breeding, a practice that began as early as Roman times. The choices of breeders—whether to mix Gouais Blanc with a disease‑resistant variety or to combine it with an aromatic one—shaped not just the wines of today but also the economies of entire regions.

“It’s fascinating to think that a single cross in a 17th‑century French vineyard created a grape that would become the backbone of a global industry,” Chen mused. “And now, using the same DNA tools that once helped identify a criminal’s fingerprints, we can trace that lineage back to its source.”

Looking Ahead

The team plans to expand their database to include more wild grape species and to explore the genetic basis of traits such as tannin composition, acidity, and aromatic precursors. They also hope to collaborate with viticulturists worldwide to develop new breeding programs that leverage the genetic insights gained from this research.

For now, the next time you pour a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or a crisp Chardonnay, you can appreciate not just the terroir and winemaking technique, but also the centuries‑old lineage that gave rise to these beloved grapes. The new DNA evidence confirms that the story of these varietals is not just one of flavor but also one of science, history, and the enduring partnership between humans and the vines they cultivate.