The European Union has expanded its list of approved grape varieties to include Calardis Blanc, Madeleine Noire, and Négrette de la Canourgue. Each variety boasts unique characteristics: Calardis Blanc is a disease-resistant hybrid, versatile for white wines; Madeleine Noire is an ancestor of the famous Merlot; and Négrette is ideally suited for light rosé wines. As reported by The Drinks Business, this decision is part of a strategy to modernize viticulture and adapt to new climatic conditions, which has even encouraged Bordeaux and Champagne to use hybrids.