Genetical, Morphological and Physicochemical Characterization of the Autochthonous Cultivar ‘Uva Rey’ (Vitis vinifera L.)

Abstract

‘Uva Rey’ is considered an Andalusian (Spain) ancient autochthonous cultivar with hard white grapes used for the production of wine and raisins and also for raw consumption. Currently, this cultivar is not included in the official register of Spanish grapevine varieties and there is neither a description nor a characterization that could facilitate its insertion in this register. In order to study this genetic resource, a genetic and morphological characterization of ‘Uva Rey’ has been carried out in comparison with ‘Palomino Fino’, the main cultivar in Andalusia (Spain). Additionally, grape must physicochemical characterization and grape berry texture profile analyses were performed. Genetically, ‘Uva Rey’ was synonymous with the cultivar ‘De Rey’. ‘Uva Rey’ grape must physicochemical results showed a lower sugar concentration and a higher malic acid content compared to ‘Palomino Fino’ must, while the analysis of the grape berry texture profile proved to be more consistent and cohesive. These results can be attributed to the longer phenological cycle presented by ‘Uva Rey’. All these facts could lead to consideration of ‘Uva Rey’ as a cultivar for the production of white wines in warm climate regions.