Variation of linalool and geraniol content within two pairs of aromatic and non-aromatic grapevine clones

Backgrounds and Aims: In order to assess the suitability of some genotypes for functional genomics studies on terpenol synthesis in grapevine, two pairs of cultivars differing in their aromatic pattern were compared: Gewurztraminer and Savagnin Rose and two clones of Chardonnay (76 and 809). Methods and Results: The genetic analysis based on microsatellite markers showed that Gewurztraminer and Savagnin Rose were clones derived from a single mother plant. The same result was found for Chardonnay clones 76 and 809. Analyses of wines, musts and berries showed that linalool and geraniol were present only at very low concentrations in Savagnin Rose and Chardonnay 76, both considered as non-aromatic cultivars. On the contrary, Gewurztraminer was characterised by a high geraniol content and Chardonnay 809 by a profile where linalool was predominant. Results obtained in the vineyard were consistent with data on fruiting cuttings in the greenhouse. Analyses of the terpenol content of berries from self-progenies plants of Gewurztraminer and Chardonnay 809 showed that this trait was heritable. Conclusions: We provide evidence that clonal variation, through somatic mutations, can modify the aromatic profile of fruits. Significance of the Study: We have characterised grapevine clones consistently differing in the terpenol content of both grapes and wines. Such plant material is appropriate for functional genomics studies.