One alternative for adapting viticulture to high temperatures and the scarcity of water is the development of new varieties adapted to such conditions. This work describes six new genotypes, derived from “Monastrell” × “Cabernet Sauvignon” (MC16, MC19, MC72, MC80) and “Monastrell” × “Syrah” (MS104, MS49) crosses, grown under deficit irrigation and rainfed conditions in a semi-arid wine-producing area (Murcia, southeastern Spain). The effect of genotype, year, and irrigation treatment on the phenological, productiveness, morphological, and grape quality data was evaluated. The study material was obtained and selected as part of a breeding program run by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA). The results obtained show that under rainfed conditions, the values for productive variables decreased, while those referring to the phenolic content increased. Notable variation in the parameters evaluated was also seen for the different genotypes studied. The behavior of the genotypes MC80 and MS104 under rainfed conditions was noteworthy. In addition to maintaining very adequate yields, phenolic contents, must pH, and total acidity values, MC80 fell into the best ‘phenolic quality group’ and MS104 returned a low º°Baumé value, ideal for the production of low-alcohol-content wines. These genotypes could favor the development of sustainable quality viticulture in dry and hot areas.

Crossbreeding programs allow the selection of new genotypes with better agronomic and oenological properties for the production of quality wine, and allow the development of a more sustainable form of viticulture. This paper describes the white genotype ‘Calblanque’, and the red genotypes ‘Calnegre’, ‘Gebas’ and ‘Myrtia’, the first wine grape varieties registered by the Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarollo Agrario y Medioambiental (IMIDA) as commercial varieties after confirming the winemaking quality of their grapes in a semi-arid climate with high temperatures. These new varieties have recently been authorized for winemaking in the Region of Murcia. ‘Calblanque’, ‘Calnegre’ and ‘Gebas’ were obtained from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, and ‘Myrtia’ from crosses between ‘Monastrell’ and ‘Syrah’. The red genotypes were selected for their phenolic quality—which was very superior to that of the parentals—and for their different harvest dates that allow a staggered harvest and their cultivation in different areas. ‘Calblanque’ was selected for its good balance of acidity and aromatic profile. The attributes of these new varieties could allow their better adaptation to the effects of climate change on grape and wine quality in warm areas.