Fourteen recovered grape varieties they are part of a catalog destined to save wine. Numerous experts have gathered in a massive virtual tasting to make the decision. That is why rescued grapes are the most optimal to save themselves from the consequences of climate change. Here we explain a little of the future of the viticulture en Castilla y Leon.
Point of no return for wine
The human being is in a crossroads. We are not talking about the coronavirus, which we hear about every day on the news, but about another problem. The pandemic has overshadowed in the media the risks of climate change. This will be able to alter the environment in which we live in such a way that it will be necessary to adapt the viticulture. An increase in temperatures will translate into a probable loss of diversity if we do not act in time. Therefore, the market for wine must adapt to this new reality.
The vine is a very sensitive plant to meteorological variations. Thus, heat can affect the flavor and the alcohol content. The biggest problem is the losses as a result of increased temperatures, droughts o frost. In this way, winegrowers think twice about where to buy land for cultivation. In fact, many buy them in cold areas where before it was unthinkable to have vineyards. Some climb them to mountainous areas. What can be assured is that one thing is clear: the investment in R&D it will be essential to survive.
Remote tasting
There is always a silver lining. In this case it is the grape varieties recovered in Castilla y León. They are fourteen and will serve to ensure the future of their wine heritage. To protect the diversity of vines gathered 70 experts via videoconference. Members of the Agrarian Technological Institute of Castilla y León (ITACYL).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DF0g_Y9-w-Y
The leading role has been retained six recovered grape varieties of extinction. The institute took them out of decline in different parts of Castilla y León. It is worth mentioning that he has been working since the 90s to recover and select the best clones of local varieties. Find the ones that best adapt to the crops of this region and that withstand the onslaught of the climate change. It seeks to add value to the areas of wine origin.
These are the recovered grape varieties
The six varieties are the end result of a meticulous process of selection. The set consists of 14 classes, as we mentioned before. To find them, they were selected from among more than a thousand strains collected in more than 200 plots. Of these, 30 were chosen and from these came the 14 finals. Some are already officially recognized as commercial varieties and others are under evaluation. They are being processed by the Spanish Office of Plant Varieties (OEVV).
The recovered grape varieties that will be conserved are the following: Áurea, Bastardillo Chico (Merenzao), Bruñal, Cinderella, Estaladiña, Gajo Arroba, Mandón (Garró), Negreda, Negro Saurí (Merenzao), La Cruz (Rabigato), Puesto Mayor, Rufete Serrano Blanco , Tinto Jeromo and Verdejo Colorao.
Tasters consider them perfect for the variety catalog of their reference areas. Thus, they will contribute diversity y personality to the wines. In addition, they represent a guideline to follow for Denominations of Origin of the next few years. These will prioritize in the the origin and resistance to climate change. We also talk about them being a profitable option that will increase the added value of the wineries. They will produce interesting wines and bottles to differentiate themselves in the market.
The labors of the ITACYL are fundamental as they design plans to promote innovation in the agri-food sector. It applies cutting-edge technologies and services and promotes the agri-food industry at the community level. This is a case of investment in R&D, which will be fundamental whether it comes from the State or from private hands. Without it we will be condemned to live in the past without preparation for the present or the future. The case of wines is a clear example of this. Now you are recovered grape varieties they are excellent news for the Castilian-Leon region and the winegrowers of the main wine-producing areas.
