Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Bordeaux And Climate Change

Bordeaux is one of the most conservative and regulated wine regions in the world. Appellation authorities decide which grapes can be used, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot being the most prominent ones at present.

But the prospect of warmer climate has even influences these authorities. Seven additional grape varieties are now permitted on an experimental basis to see if they can mitigate climate change. The red varieties are Touriga Nacional (Portugal's main variety), Marselan (a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache), Castets (a forgotten variety), and Arinarnoa (a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Tannat).

The white varieties are Albariño (from northern Spain), Petit Manseng (from southwestern France), and Liliorila (a cross between Chardonnay and Baroque). The first two are meant as an alternative to Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon.

Experiments are allowed in most subregions, but not the esteemed appellations of St. Julian or Margaux - how very French.   

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