French discuss possibility of using genetically modified grapevines

The vines to be tested were genetically engineered in a laboratory to be resistant to fanleaf disease virus, which is a significant problem in France's cooler wine regions and throughout the world. The virus is transmitted by the tiny nematode xiphinema index when it feeds on the roots of infected plants and then on healthy ones. Scientists inserted a gene fragment from the virus into the genome of a healthy grapevine rootstock.

Wine Spectator article, "French Plans to Test Genetically Modified Vines Prompt Outcry From Many European Winemakers" talks about the concern in using GM (genetically modified) grapes in winemaking in Europe.