Unraveling Grape DNA with Dr. José Vouillamoz

Episode Description (Optimized for Apple & Spotify)
Grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz returns to the Vint Wine Podcast with host Billy Galanko for a deep dive into the DNA, history, and origins of iconic French and Swiss grapes. Co-author of Wine Grapes, José has spent decades decoding grape lineages and uncovering where the world’s most important varieties truly come from.

In this episode, we spotlight his new book Les Grands Cépages, exploring 12 major French grapes, from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to Savagnin and Viognier, while also revisiting Switzerland’s native gems like Chasselas, Cornalin, Arvine, and Räuschling. We also dig into how DNA tools have evolved, why “grape patriotism” often clashes with science, and how nearly-lost vines have shaped modern wine. If you’re curious about grape origins, terroir expression, or the genetic stories behind classic varieties, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What an ampelologist does and how José uses DNA, history, and vineyard archaeology to study grapevines
• How grape DNA research evolved from early markers to whole-genome sequencing
• The true family trees of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot, and others
• Why some regions fiercely claim “ownership” of certain grapes, and when the science disagrees
• How Swiss grapes like Chasselas, Cornalin, and Arvine express terroir and age in surprising ways
• Why Swiss wines are hard to find but can be outstanding value at the top end
• What’s next for José: ungrafted vines, ancient clonal material, and future books on Italy and beyond

Episode Timestamps / Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to the Vint Wine Podcast
00:23 – Introducing Dr. José Vouillamoz
01:15 – French & Swiss Grapes Overview
03:50 – Inside the World of Grape DNA
08:59 – How DNA Techniques Have Evolved
14:08 – Switzerland’s Native Grapes
16:42 – The “Grand” French Grapes (Les Grands Cépages)
18:31 – Origins, Myths & Grape Stories
24:21 – Merlot’s Surprising Parentage
27:54 – Cabernet Franc’s Journey & Chenin/Sauvignon Origins
32:56 – Standout Swiss Varieties & Terroir
34:21 – Cornalin, Merlot Blanc & Chasselas
47:17 – Swiss Wines on the Global Stage
50:57 – Future Projects & Discoveries
54:12 – Conclusion and Farewell

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!