(Wine-Searcher) - Genetic engineering could change the viticultural landscape.

The history of plant breeding and genetic engineering took a surprising turn last month, when the French government authorized the introduction of new hybrid grape varieties into the country's viticultural landscape.

Four varieties – Floreal, Vidoc, Voltis and Artaban – were developed by the French National Institute for Agronomic Research (Inra), who decided to play god with the intention of increasing the circulation of disease-resistant grapes in French vineyards.

Designed to be resistant to downy and powdery mildew, the news came as vignerons were bemoaning the scourge of downy mildew, which has been an unwelcome guest at chateaux across France during the 2018 growing season.