Pinot noir grape’s DNA is uncorked

Italian scientists have cracked open the genetic makeup of pinot noir, the grape responsible for the great red wines of Burgundy, in a breakthrough that may lead to hardier vines and less expensive fine wines.

The researchers, who published their finding Wednesday in the Public Library of Science’s online journal, said they had found more than 2 million genetic variants within the pinot noir grape, providing growers with a treasure-trove in the hunt for new strains. It may be possible to breed disease-resistant grapes without sacrificing taste, said lead author Riccardo Velasco.