HELLENIFERA

We search, observe, collect, preserve mediterranean grape varieties

Hellenifera was founded in 2014 by Konstantinos Bakasietas owner of the Vine Nurseries Bakasietas (VNB) and the Institute of Vine and Wine of France (IFV). The action in the field of clonal selection of the vine began in 2004 both in Greece and in the other countries of South-eastern Europe.

The aim of Hellenifera is the research, identification, rescue and preservation of rare and commercial varieties and clones of the vine. The creation of sustainable and model vineyards is a primary aim for Hellenifera, which is why the material is tested for 11 viruses. In 2021, the first 20 clones of Greek varieties were registered. This was followed by the registration of 3 clones in 2023, and with another 8 being in the registration process.

In the last 20 years Hellenifera has visited over 480 old vineyards in Greece, Cyprus, Bulgaria and the Middle East, studying over 320 indigenous varieties. Up until today the company has identified over 2050 different candidate clones. Hellenifera could not follow a different methodology for clonal selection but the French one, since this ensures the genetic variation of the very old varieties in South-eastern Europe. Today Hellenifera maintains in its collections more than 150 varieties of particular agronomic and oenological interest and 500 different clones thereof.

The process of clonal selection begins with the detection of candidate clones in old vines in the places of origin of the varieties. The expertise of IFV and VNB scientific teams, guarantees a targeted and successful selection of clones.

The know-how of the IFV and VNB scientific teams guarantees a targeted and successful selection of the clones.

The process of clonal selection begins with the detection of candidate clones in old vines in the locations the varieties originate in. After 3 years of monitoring the stability of the characteristics for which they were selected, the clematis are collected for phytosanitary and genetic analysis.

Hellenifera sends the clematis to the French Institute of Vine and Wine (IFV) in Montpellier, for virological testing of the samples. At the same time, the genetic identification of plant material is carried out in the database of the INRAE genetic material bank. The genetic identification is an extremely valuable process as homonyms (similar name for different varieties) and synonyms (different name for the same variety) are quite common in all these old wine-growing regions.

3 years later, where the material has been sanitized and tested for viruses, it enters the final stage, which is indexing.

to specially designed insect-proof greenhouses in Leontio, Nemea, Greece. All healthy samples are kept there and are part of the first official bank of healthy genetic material in Greece. Then, the material is propagated in order to plant the experimental vineyards in the isolated mountainous area of Argolis, in Alea. All Hellenifera experimental vineyards have a planting density of 400 plants/acre (4000 plants/hectare), the shaping system is double Royat, with 8-10 heads per plant, pruned to 2 buds. The height of the trunk is 70-80 cm and the ground is of medium composition with high gravel content.

Agronomic and oenological measurements are carried out in these experimental vineyards. These measurements are always accompanied by microvinifications and blind wine tastings. The year 2024 marks 10 years since the first vintage of experimental vineyards.

So from 2022 Hellenifera is pleased to release its first 20 clones.

Assyrtiko B ENTAV-INRA® 004VNB
Agiorgitiko N ENTAV-INRA® 001 VNB
Aidani B ENTAV-INRA® 003VNB
Attiki N ENTAV-INRA® 005VNB
Vidiano B ENTAV-INRAⓇ 007VNB
Vilana B ENTAV-INRA® 009VNB
Kortinthiaki N ENTAV-INRA® 010VNB
Kotsifali N ENTAV-INRA® 011VNB
Limniona N ENTAV-INRA® 013VNB
Monemvassia B ENTAV-INRA® 016VNB
Moschofilero N ENTAV-INRA® 017VNB
Xinomavro N ENTAV-INRA® 018VNB
Robola B ENTAV-INRA® 021VNB
Savvatiano B ENTAV-INRA® 022VNB
Soultanina B ENTAV-INRA® 024VNB
110 Richter ENTAV-INRA® 026VNB
140 Ruggeri ENTAV-INRA® 027VNB
Crimson Seedless ENTAV-INRA® 028VNB
Red Globe ENTAV-INRA® 029VNB

VARIETIES

Agiorgitiko N

Origin Nemea, Greece Synonyms Mavro Nemeas Clones ENTAV-INRA® 001VNB Agronomic Features Strong vigour
Late rippening
High yield Oenologic Features Medium-sized grapes and berries
It produces wine with complex aromas (red fruit, forest fruit, mint...)
Medium acidity, soft tannins & plenty of anthocyanes

HELLENIFERA

We search, observe, collect, preserve mediterranean grape varieties

The process of clonal selection begins with the detection of candidate clones in old vines in the places of origin of the varieties. The expertise of IFV and VNB scientific teams, guarantees a targeted and successful selection of clones.

VARIETIES

Agiorgitiko N

Aidani B

Assyrtiko B

Attiki N

Crimson Seedless Rg

Koiniariko

Korinthiaki N

Kotsifali N

Lagorthi

Limniona N

Monemvassia B

Moschofilero N

Red Globe Rg

Robola B

Roditis Rs

Savvatiano B

Sultanina B

Vidiano B

Vilana B

Xinomavro N

Xynisteri