New grape varieties resistant to climate change
New grape varieties resistant to climate change
Global warming is profoundly transforming the world of wine. Rising temperatures, droughts, extreme climatic phenomena: traditional terroirs are being put to the test, and with them, the emblematic grape varieties that have shaped centuries of wine culture. Faced with these challenges, research and winemakers are turning to more resistant grape varieties, capable of adapting to increasingly demanding conditions. Here's an overview of the new grape varieties of the future, and their role in preserving wine quality.
1. Why adapt grape varieties?
Climate change means :
- Earlier and earlier harvests,
- Higher alcohol levels in wines,
- A drop in natural acidity,
- Changing vine diseases,
- Increasing water scarcity in certain regions.
These effects can unbalance aromatic profiles, shorten ripening cycles, and make certain traditional grape varieties less viable.
2. Research avenues: creation and selection
To meet these challenges, two main approaches are currently at work:
a. Rediscovering old varieties
Some forgotten native grape varieties, often hardy, are making a comeback thanks to their natural resistance to heat and drought.
Examples include
- Castets (South-West),
- Perricone (Sicily),
- Terret (Languedoc).
b. Hybrid or resistant grape varieties (PIWI)
Developed by research institutes, these varieties are derived from crosses between vitis vinifera (European vine) and more resistant varieties.
Advantages :
- Better resistance to fungal diseases (mildew, powdery mildew),
- Better tolerance to drought,
- Slower, more gradual ripening.
Examples include
- Floréal, Artaban (France),
- Sauvignac, Cabernet Eidos, Satin noir (Germany and Switzerland),
- Calardis blanc, used in biodynamic viticulture.
3. Regulatory initiatives: the case of Bordeaux
Since 2021, the Bordeaux AOC has authorized 6 new experimental grape varieties as part of climate adaptation. Among them:
- Reds: Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan, Touriga Nacional,
- Whites: Alvarinho, Liliorila.
These grape varieties cannot yet appear on labels, but they are included in blends in small proportions (up to 10%). The aim: to preserve the wines' typical character while anticipating tomorrow's conditions.
4. What sensory profiles can we expect?
Contrary to popular belief, resistant grape varieties do not produce "technical" or standardized wines. They can offer unprecedented aromatic profiles, often marked by :
- Fresher acidity,
- Intense floral or citrus aromas for whites,
- Notes of black fruit and spices for reds.
Some resistant grape varieties even produce wines suitable for ageing, such as Cabernet Jura orArtaban, whose tannic structure rivals that of classic varieties.
5. What does the future hold for these varieties?
These grape varieties are not here to systematically replace historical varieties, but to :
- Provide valuable genetic diversity,
- Offer a sustainable solution to the use of phytosanitary treatments,
- Preserve regional typicity while adapting cultivation practices.
Their adoption remains gradual, supervised and dependent on sensory, agronomic and environmental tests.
Conclusion
Resistant grape varieties represent a concrete, reasoned response to the challenges posed by climate change. While they are not the only solution, they offer winegrowers essential room for manoeuvre to preserve wine quality while reducing their environmental impact. For consumers, they represent an opportunity to discover new expressions of terroir, adapted to tomorrow's world.