Good Practice - Project
Enhancing Kékfrankos grape varieties for climate-resistant wine production in Hungary
EU innovation funding from the CAP helps Hungarian farmers secure climate-resilient vine harvests for the future.
General information
RDP Priority
- P1. Knowledge transfer and innovation
RDP Focus Area
- 1A: Innovation & cooperation
RDP Measure
- M16: Cooperation
Beneficiary type
- Operational group
Summary
Kékfrankos Clone Selection was an applied research project in Hungary promoting the sustainable cultivation of one of the Carpathian Basin’s most significant blue grape varieties. In response to the challenges of climate change, a primary objective of the project was to map the genetic diversity of Kékfrankos and identify the most favourable clone variants from agronomic and winemaking perspectives.
During three years of EIP-AGRI Operational Group (OG) research funding, more than 180 clone variants were examined across various wine regions nationwide. Selected clones underwent detailed agronomic and oenological analyses based on their qualitative and quantitative parameters.
One of the project’s inspirational outcomes created a knowledge base and a producer collaboration network that supports grape growers and winemakers in adapting to changing climatic conditions. Thanks to the EU funding, the OG project partners planned a Kékfrankos production foundation to better protect the variety’s quality and viability, considering the future viticultural environment.
Results
Key outcomes included:
- Development of 188 Kékfrankos clones with varying characteristics.
- Identification of clones with improved yield and berry uniformity.
- Selection of clones suitable for diverse wine styles.
- Enhanced adaptability of Kékfrankos to climatic variations.
- Improved wine quality through the selection of superior clones.
- Increased sustainability of Hungarian viticulture.
- Enhanced competitiveness of Hungarian wines in the international market.
- Contribution to the preservation and enhancement of a key Hungarian grape variety.
Funding
Total budget: 865 005 (EUR)
EAFRD: 661 730 (EUR)
National/Regional: 116 775 (EUR)
Private/own: 86 500 (EUR)
Resources
Links
Context
Wine growing and wine production are long-standing traditions in Europe that date back several thousand years. The EU is a world leading producer, consumer and exporter of wine. In 2020, there were 2.2 million wine producing holdings in the EU and vineyards covered about 2% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.
Global warming presents growing risks for wine supplies. Premium wine grape production occurs within very narrow climate ranges. In Europe, the impact of climate change on wine regions can be large, involving temperature stress, storm damage risks and changes in pest species, including shifts in biological cycles. This situation requires a more resilient wine and grape production system. Fortunately, wine growers in the EU can receive financial support from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to restructure and improve their vineyards.
In Hungary’s winemaking sector, for example, there is increasing demand for clone variants that can deliver excellent quality and stable yields even under extreme weather conditions. Kékfrankos is one of the key grape varieties in Hungarian viticulture. Its importance for fruity, deep red wines has increased across central Europe, and especially in light of weather-based challenges.
Objectives
Objectives for this EIP-AGRI OG project were planned by a consortium of growers, winemakers, and researchers. Its goal was to map, in collaboration, the genetic and agronomic diversity of the domestic Kékfrankos population to lay the foundations for sustainable viticultural practices of the future. Specific objectives involved:
- Collection of clones: selection of more than 180 Kékfrankos vines from various wine regions.
- Three years of investigations: morphological, yield and compositional measurements, and winemaking.
- Scientific collaboration: involvement of the University of Pécs Department of Viticulture, oenological laboratory and local producers.
- Data processing: application of an evaluation matrix to select the most promising clones.
- Dissemination of results: through professional forums, producer workshops, as well as via the website and videos.
Activities
During the OG’s clone selection, variants were identified that better tolerate heat stress, have different ripening times or exhibit unique oenological potential. The research was conducted over three wine regions: Szekszárd in Tolna County, Villány in Baranya County, and the Hajós-Baja wine region located in the Danube-Tisza Interfluve, under the coordination of the University of Pécs. Project timings were as follows:
Year 1 (2020):
- Project planning and detailed development.
- Selection of researchers and contributing specialists.
- Procurement of viticultural and winemaking equipment.
- Completion of initial viticultural and oenological experiments.
- Analysis of 188 Kékfrankos clones and existing grape samples from the 2020 vintage.
Year 2 (2021):
- Continuation of clone evaluation focusing on yield and quality parameters.
- Assessment of wine samples using classical analytical methods and advanced instrumentation.
- Organoleptic testing to evaluate sensory characteristics.
Year 3 (2022):
- Final evaluation of clone performance across multiple vintages.
- Selection of optimal clones for further propagation and commercial application.
- Dissemination of findings through workshops and publications.
These activities of the Blue Franc clone selection project are highly transferable to other grape-growing regions and countries with similar varietals or climatic conditions. The structured approach to clone evaluation (combining field trials, analytical assessments and organoleptic testing) can be replicated by viticulturists or research institutions elsewhere. Furthermore, the project offers a scalable model for other crops that require resilience to climate change. While the selected clones were region-specific, the process generated interest from other Hungarian wine regions.
Main results
The results of the project not only have scientific value but also provide direct economic and environmental benefits to the participating producers and communities.
Key outcomes included:
- Development of 188 Kékfrankos clones with varying characteristics.
- Identification of clones with improved yield and berry uniformity.
- Selection of clones suitable for diverse wine styles.
- Enhanced adaptability of Kékfrankos to climatic variations.
- Improved wine quality through the selection of superior clones.
- Increased sustainability of Hungarian viticulture.
- Enhanced competitiveness of Hungarian wines in the international market.
- Contribution to the preservation and enhancement of a key Hungarian grape variety.
Key lessons
- By focusing on a lesser-developed native grape and optimising it for future challenges, such as climate resilience and changing consumer trends, the EU’s CAP funding significantly improved both the process and output of varietal innovation for Hungarian viticulture.
- This project exemplifies innovation in viticulture by directly addressing the challenges posed by climate change and evolving market demands. Through scientific research and collaborative efforts, it has developed Kékfrankos clones that are more resilient and versatile, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Hungarian wine production. The project’s comprehensive approach, from research to dissemination, serves as a model for future agricultural innovations.
OG partners introduced a unique integration of traditional clone selection with modern viticultural science, including comprehensive genetic, agronomic and sensory evaluations. It applied cutting-edge analytical methods to assess grape and wine quality, facilitating the development of clones specifically suited for diverse wine styles.