Verifying synonymies between grape cultivars from France and Northwestern Italy using molecular markers

Thirty one presumed synonymous grapewine cultivars from France and Northwestern Italy were analyzed by RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and Simple Sequence Repeats or microsatellite (SSR) markers to verify twenty five synonym hypotheses. RAPD analyses were performed with 8 selected decamer primers and the profiles of 7 microsatellite loci were used in order to confirm RAPD results, when required. Sixteen synonymies were confirmed, including the French Verdesse with the Italian Bian ver, the French Persan with the Italian Biquet, the French Chatus with the Italian Neiret (also called Nebbiolo in the area of Dronero), the French Gouais blanc with the Italian Preveiral and Liseiret. Most of the investigated cultivars belong to the Vitis vinifera germplasm of both sides of Western Alps and the occurrence of synonyms indicates the existence of a common pool of grapes grown under different names in this part of Europe.