Resistant grapes and sustainable viticulture

One of the most promising developments in sustainable viticulture is the use of disease-resistant grape varieties. These varieties are less susceptible to fungal diseases such as mildew. This significantly reduces the need for pesticides, making viticulture more resilient, both ecologically and economically.

Resistant grapes allow for less intervention, the application of spontaneous fermentation, and a structural reduction in the ecological footprint of wine. Not as a niche solution, but as a realistic answer to the future of wine.

Decanter on Pierre & Antonin: sustainability and drinking pleasure

Recently, the April 2026 edition of Decanter Magazine featured an article about our producer Pierre & Antonin, written by Natalie Earl, Sustainability Editor of Decanter. In this article, Pierre & Antonin are highlighted as an example of how resistant grapes and contemporary winemaking come together in fresh, accessible wines.

Pierre Caizergues and Antonin Bonnet founded Pierre & Antonin in 2020 after meeting years earlier in New York. Their shared ambition: to make wines that fit a changing climate without losing sight of the pleasure, spontaneity, and affordability of wine.

Pioneering with resistant grapes in the Languedoc

Pierre & Antonin work almost exclusively with resistant grape varieties such as Souvignier Gris, Cabernet Cortis, Artaban, and Floréal. The natural resistance of these grapes makes intensive vineyard treatment largely unnecessary. This results in lower costs, healthier vineyards, and a smaller ecological impact.

Combined with:

• organic viticulture
• minimal sulphite addition
• use of native yeasts
• and lightweight bottles (less CO₂ emissions during transport)

they produce wines that, according to Decanter, are lively, pure, and uncomplicated. Wines that are not meant to be stored, but to be opened and shared.

Resilience as a vision for wine

The article in Decanter describes how Pierre & Antonin look beyond just the technique. Their choice for resistant grapes symbolizes a broader form of 'resistance': against disease pressure, against climate change, and against the idea that sustainable wine must be inherently expensive and exclusive.

According to Pierre & Antonin, part of the future of wine lies not only in preserving classic grape varieties but in discovering new expressions and styles that are better suited to the world of tomorrow.