Identification of grapevine accessions from Argentina introduced in the ampelographic collection of Domaine de Vassal

The study of accessions from Argentina may provide a valuable testimony on the origins of the different genetic resources and varieties which were sought and used to develop the vineyard of this country. 54 accessions introduced in the Vassal collection were analyzed using 20 microsatellite markers and ampelographic descriptors. Among them, 43 distinct varieties have been identified: 22 correspond to old traditional wine or table grape varieties from Europe and Middle East, 12 are probably varieties selected in Argentina or South America and are mostly descendants of Muscat of Alexandria and Mission, 4 are seedlings obtained in Italy, USA and Bulgaria, 2 are specific mutants and 3 are still currently original and of undetermined origin. These results highlight the links and help to trace the flows that have existed between the ancient world and Argentina. They are a particularly good example of the interest of the 2 traditional ways of multiplication which may exist for the vine, cuttings and seedlings. Some of these resources are now also highly original and rare and must be preserved.