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Albarin Negro is a red minority grapevine cultivar ( Vitis vinifera L.) grown in Asturias (Spain) that is currently expanding because of its high quality. Considering the capital importance of rootstock in maturation, the effects of five rootstocks (110 R, 196-17 C, 101-14 MG, 3309 C and Rupestris de Lot) on the agronomical and enological characteristics of Albarin Negro were studied for three years. The trial consisted in three repetitions of ten vines for each rootstock. The phenological stages of budburst, flowering and veraison were monitored. Vegetative and production parameters were measured, and berry analysis performed at harvest. The wines subsequently elaborated were analyzed for global parameters, acids, sugars, chromatic characteristics and volatile compounds, and sensorially evaluated. Rootstocks 110 R and 3309 C produced a higher berry yield but they delayed maturation. 101-14 MG had the lowest yield and berry weight. Rupestris de Lot produced a poor berry set, as has been reported in other studies. Wines produced from 196-17 C scored better in sensorial analysis. These results should be taken into account for future plantations.

The genetic heritage of the Asturian grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) has been declining over the past century due to the phylloxera attack and the further abandonment of this culture. In addition, efforts in recent years to restore the Asturian vineyard with the pulling-up of old vineyards and replanting with cultivars endorsed by Cangas Quality Wine regulations are contributing even more to this genetic erosion. The aim of this study was the evaluation and identification of the phytogenetic resources of the Asturian grapevine. A total of 293 accessions were collected in old vineyards and analyzed through nine microsatellite markers. Forty-two different genotypes were obtained, including six profiles with allelic variations. Only 27 cultivars were identified when compared with national and international databases; some of them had not been found in this region before. Homonymies and synonymies have also been detected. These results provide an overview of the status of current grapevine phytogenetic resources in Asturias. Despite the substantial genetic erosion that the Asturian vineyard has suffered, a higher variability than expected has been detected. The finding of new grapevine genotypes is a fact of great importance. The genetic grapevine resources are being drastically reduced all over the world, so this new genetic material has to be included in germplasm banks for its conservation and further agronomical and enological evaluation.