What is the new Shonan wine grape variety "Maeve"?

A new variety of red wine grape discovered in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Features: "It has characteristics and various resistances that allow it to be cultivated all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa Prefecture."
(1) Disease resistance: Grown without pesticides for 20 years
(2) Cold resistance: Grown for 20 years in Engaru Town, Hokkaido, where temperatures can reach -30°C
(3) Frost resistance: Grown in Engaru Town, Hokkaido, without frost prevention measures
(4) Cultivated in hot and humid regions (subtropical regions)

DNA testing identifies it as a new variety

When "Maeve" was first shipped (in 2019), a DNA test was requested from the National Research Institute of Brewing (Ministry of Finance) for the bottle label application, but there was no match in the database, and it was determined to be a new variety.

Professor Hidetoshi Sase of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) then conducted a genome analysis as part of his research, and held a presentation on his research to determine its origins on March 26, 2025.

According to the research presentation, it was determined that Maeve has two parents, one of which is a variety native to North America called "Riparia gloire" that is resistant to diseases and pests and is used as a rootstock, and the other is "Vitis vinifera."
https://www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1560804

The potential of "Maeve" and the spread of its cultivation

Since it can be grown all over Japan, it is suitable for making "regional brand wine". In addition, because it has excellent disease resistance, it can be grown without pesticides, and can be easily grown on the rooftops of buildings near cities or as wine grapes for home gardening.

Each point on the map shows the current spread of cultivation in Japan. As the community of fellow growers expands, "Maeve" cultivation has led to exchanges not only within the region but also between regions. There have also been inquiries from overseas, and plans are underway to expand cultivation to areas where winemaking was not possible before due to harsh weather conditions.

FAQ

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（作成中）

Where can I buy ”Maeve” seedlings?

（Under construction）Hakkutsu !https://hack-tsu.jpn.panasonic.com/products/maeve-shonan001?_pos=1&_sid=b8cf304a2&_ss=r

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