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WineBusiness Monthly published the resume of my lifetime project... A new clone of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon 140+ year-old could re-start the genetics of the wine industry Cabernet Sauvignon, the undisputed king of red wine grapes, currently stands at an existential crossroads. As climate change intensifies, the variety faces mounting threats from disease and pestilence, jeopardising its global legacy. Amidst this uncertainty, Chile is emerging as an unsung hero, leveraging its one-of-a-kind viticultural heritage to pioneer a solution to safeguard the future of this iconic grape. From Bordeaux to Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is under siege. Pests, diseases and climate-driven challenges are shortening vineyard longevity, forcing growers to replant every 30 to 40 years. The resurgence of phylloxera and the emergence of new pests like margarodes have further exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional solutions, such as grafting onto resistant rootstocks. The urgency is clear: without innovative interventions, the future of Cabernet Sauvignon could be compromised. Chile’s Hidden Genetic Treasure Chile offers hope through its expansive treasure trove of pre-phylloxera vines, untouched by the pestilence outbreaks that devastated Europe in the 19th century. These vines, preserved by Chile’s natural barriers and geographical isolation, represent an untainted lineage of Cabernet Sauvignon — a rarity in today’s viticultural landscape. The discovery of century-old Malbec vines in San Rosendo few years ago, a historic region in Chile’s Bío Bío Valley, has ignited fresh interest among winemakers and oenologists. Nestled along the Laja and Bío Bío rivers, this ancient viticultural heritage — once revitalised by a fleeting rise in grape prices — has now become the cornerstone for a new wave of wineries committed to reviving local vineyard traditions with the backing of visionary winemakers. In 2015, the Agricultural Engineer Max Morales returned to his hometown of Laja and launched the ‘Vineyard Social Innovation Strategy’ as a groundbreaking initiative designed to support local families managing small vineyard plots. These plots included not only ancient Malbec but also heritage Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines, enriching San Rosendo’s already historic viticultural tapestry. The discovery of 140-year-old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, País and Malbec further highlighted the region’s immense potential. Morales envisioned a long-term genetic preservation strategy, recognising the importance of safeguarding these ancient vines for future generations..... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/gdPZgeHp For more insights on Chile’s innovative wine projects, please contact Max directly on: andes@andeswines.com | +569 3251 7848.

#WineNews WineBusiness Monthly A new clone of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon 140+ year-old could re-start the genetics of the wine industry Cabernet Sauvignon, the undisputed king of red wine grapes, currently stands at an existential crossroads. As climate change intensifies, the variety faces mounting threats from disease and pestilence, jeopardising its global legacy. Amidst this uncertainty, Chile is emerging as an unsung hero, leveraging its one-of-a-kind viticultural heritage to pioneer a solution to safeguard the future of this iconic grape. From Bordeaux to Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is under siege. Pests, diseases and climate-driven challenges are shortening vineyard longevity, forcing growers to replant every 30 to 40 years. The resurgence of phylloxera and the emergence of new pests like margarodes have further exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional solutions, such as grafting onto resistant rootstocks. The urgency is clear: without innovative interventions, the future of Cabernet Sauvignon could be compromised. Chile’s Hidden Genetic Treasure Chile offers hope through its expansive treasure trove of pre-phylloxera vines, untouched by the pestilence outbreaks that devastated Europe in the 19th century. These vines, preserved by Chile’s natural barriers and geographical isolation, represent an untainted lineage of Cabernet Sauvignon — a rarity in today’s viticultural landscape. The discovery of century-old Malbec vines in San Rosendo few years ago, a historic region in Chile’s Bío Bío Valley, has ignited fresh interest among winemakers and oenologists. Nestled along the Laja and Bío Bío rivers, this ancient viticultural heritage — once revitalised by a fleeting rise in grape prices — has now become the cornerstone for a new wave of wineries committed to reviving local vineyard traditions with the backing of visionary winemakers. In 2015, the Agricultural Engineer Max Morales returned to his hometown of Laja and launched the ‘Vineyard Social Innovation Strategy’ as a groundbreaking initiative designed to support local families managing small vineyard plots. These plots included not only ancient Malbec but also heritage Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vines, enriching San Rosendo’s already historic viticultural tapestry. The discovery of 140-year-old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, País and Malbec further highlighted the region’s immense potential. Morales envisioned a long-term genetic preservation strategy, recognising the importance of safeguarding these ancient vines for future generations..... Continue Reading: https://lnkd.in/gdPZgeHp For more insights on Chile’s innovative wine projects, please contact Max directly on: andes@andeswines.com | +569 3251 7848.

The elongated hills of the Langhe, in the Lower Piedmont, cut by the Tanaro Valley, outline a unique wine-growing territory, which has earned its place among UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Langhe are nestled between the Ligurian Apennines and the Monferrato, forming aligned, deep, and narrow valleys characterized by exceptional biodiversity, which, combined with the generous subsoil, ensure an incredible variety of wine production. The territorial area of Barolo and Barbaresco both toponyms that give their name to two extraordinary wines is located between the lower area of the Langhe, which extends around Alba on the border with the Roero. The treasures of the two Langhe Our itinerary winds through some municipalities of the so-called "Barolo Langhe" Barolo Verduno Cherasco Roddi Grinzane Cavour Castiglione Falletto Diano d'Alba Novello Serralunga d'Alba Monforte La Morra and those of the "Barbaresco Langhe": Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, and Alba. A territory between sea, mountain, and hills, bordered to the south by the Ligurian Maritime Alps, to the west by the Tanaro River, to the east by the Bormida di Spigno River, and to the north by the hills of the Asti Monferrato. It is here that Nebbiolo finds its greatest expression, the flagship grape of the Langhe, superior to other grape varieties due to a series of genetic characteristics that manifest in aromatic complexity, tannic power, and greater longevity. And it is from its single-varietal vinification that Barolo and Barbaresco are obtained, just as with Pinot Noir in Burgundy, to which it resembles in terms of vineyard parcelization and the promotion of a single grape variety, but from which it differs in terms of viticultural history. https://lnkd.in/d6hAHXXb

Spain is very much on the front line when it comes to global warming. The good news is that the Spanish wine industry is also at the forefront when it comes to adapting to higher temperatures. #wine #climate change

A Tale of Two Mountains: Alto Adige & Etna 🍷 Have you ever wondered what happens when you grow grapes on mountains? Let me take you on a journey to two of Europe's most spectacular wine regions - where vineyards climb up slopes and winemakers practice what I like to call "extreme gardening"! Alto Adige: In northern Italy's Alps, Alto Adige is like nature's perfect wine laboratory. Imagine sipping a crisp Pinot Blanc while looking up at snow-capped peaks! What makes this place special is how the mountains protect the vines from cold winds while letting in warm Mediterranean sunshine—it's like having the best of both worlds. Insider Tips for Alto Adige Wines: - Look for Gewürztraminer - it's the local star and smells like walking through a rose garden - Try the whites first - they make up 65% of production, and they're stunning - Don't miss Pinot Grigio from here - it's nothing like the simple ones you might know! Mount Etna: Let's hop south to Sicily's active volcano, where winemaking gets exciting! Each of Etna's 133 different growing areas (called "Contrade") has its personality - they are nature's wine neighbourhoods. The soil? It's volcanic ash and rock, giving these wines a mineral kick that wine geeks go crazy for. What's Special About Etna: - The local hero grape Nerello Mascalese makes reds that can rival fine Burgundy - Carricante whites have this amazing salty-citrusy thing going on - Day-to-night temperature swings can be 25°C - that's what gives the grapes their magic! Pro Tips for Wine Shopping: Alto Adige: - Recent vintages are great - climate change means riper grapes - Look for "Südtirol" on the label - same place, German name - Best value? Try their Pinot Blanc (Weissburgunder) - often overlooked but delicious Etna: - Check which slope it's from - north, east, south-east, or south-west - "Contrada" on the label means it's from a specific vineyard area - Want to impress? Go for Etna Bianco Superiore - minimum 80% Carricante Fun Fact: Both regions practice "heroic viticulture" - growing grapes where most farmers would say, "No way!" The steep slopes mean almost everything must be done by hand. Next time you open a bottle from either place, raise a glass to those dedicated winegrowers who climb up and down those slopes daily! Remember: These aren't just wine regions; they're where nature, history, and human determination come together in your glass. Whether you choose the Alpine freshness of Alto Adige or the volcanic intensity of Etna, you're tasting some of Italy's most exciting wines. Cheers to mountain wines! 🍷 #altoadige #altoadigewines #thewinesofetna #winejudge

Just published in the last edition of the Wine and Viticulture Journal. Bramley, R.; Ouzman, J.; Sturman, A.; Grealish, G.; Ratcliff, C.; Trought, M. (2024) Combining vineyard performance metrics with soil and climate data to better understand regional terroir: An example from Marlborough, New Zealand. Wine & Viticulture Journal 39 (3), 71-81. Rob Bramley and I (with others) have been working for about 15 years to understand the terroir of Marlborough on both a vineyard and regional scale, publishing seven peer reviewed papers, and numerous conference proceedings in Australia, France the USA and beyond. On a vineyard scale, the influence of soil texture, within a vineyard demonstrated that vines growing on stoney phases ripened earlier, had reduced vegetative growth, but vine yields were unaffected. Bramley, R.G.V.; Ouzman, J.; Trought, M.C.T.; Neal, S.M.; Bennett, J.S. (2019) Spatio-temporal variability in vine vigour and yield in a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc vineyard. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 25, 430-438, DOI: 10.1111/ajgw.12408. Bramley, R.G.V.; Trought, M.C.T.; Praat, J.P. (2011) Vineyard variability in Marlborough, New Zealand: characterising variation in vineyard performance and options for the implementation of Precision Viticulture. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 17 (1), 83-89, DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0238.2010.00119.x. Trought, M.C.T.; Bramley, R.G.V. (2011) Vineyard variability in Marlborough, New Zealand: characterising spatial and temporal changes in fruit composition and juice quality in the vineyard. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research 17 (1), 72-82, DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-0238.2010.00120.x. On a regional scale, where data from over 1000 vineyards was used to map harvest date and yield, when compared to the central Wairau Valley, higher yields were recorded on the silt soils of the lower Wairau Plains, with lower yields in the Rapaura area, upper Wairau and Rarangi, and in particular the Awatere Valley. Harvest generally started in the Central Wairau valley, and got later as one moved into the cooler areas of the Wairau and Awatere valley. Bramley, R.G.V.; Ouzman, J.; Sturman, A.; Grealish, G.J.; Ratcliff, C.E.M.; Trought, M.C.T. (2023) Underpinning terroir with data: Integrating vineyard performance metrics with soil and climate data to better understand within-region variation in Marlborough, New Zealand. Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research Article ID 8811402, Article ID 8811402, DOI: https://lnkd.in/gkKmJNxy.

When the best of Barolo is called Bartolo Mascarello.... Prestigious bottles continue to arrive at "Italian wine collector" such as this selection of Barolo Bartolo Mascarello in the 1969-1970 and 1973 vintages.... Barolo Mascarello's Barolo, capable of fascinating enthusiasts from all over the world for its fidelity to a traditional model that has almost completely disappeared, is a rigorous wine, shy in its youth but ascending on an aromatic and gustatory level with the progression of time, up to reach after adequate aging a complex, profound configuration, rich in nuances, with impulses that are difficult to compare with similar products. When the charismatic figure of Bartolo Mascarello passed away, the difficult legacy he left was taken up by his daughter Maria Teresa, skilled in infusing new personality and stylistic precision into the wines produced, maintaining the company size unchanged despite the great demand from everywhere. The grapes that flow into this unique and unmistakable Barolo come from some of the most important crus of the Langhe, among which the San Lorenzo and Cannubi di Barolo and Rocche di La Morra vineyards stand out. From Maria Teresa Mascarello's sensitivity for viticulture that respects the territory comes an agronomic management with very low environmental impact; in the cellar the fermentations take place in concrete tanks and each refinement is entrusted to the historic large barrels of the Piedmontese tradition. The result is a Barolo with deep aromatic tones, solid materiality on the palate and a very fine tannic texture: this splendid wine, which brings with it all the significance of Mascarello's production philosophy, has the benefit of a profitable evolution over time, capable to give away a Barolo symbol of the territorial expressiveness of the Langhe after years. As tradition dictates, the Barolo of Casa Mascarello is born from the assembly of Nebbiolo grapes harvested in different vineyards: in Barolo the Vigneto San Lorenzo with south-east exposure, the Vigneto Rue which faces south-southeast, and the Cannubi (south-southeast) ; in La Morra the famous Rocche dell'Annunziata vineyard with south-east exposure. The soils of Barolo are clayey with the presence of tuff and variable quantities of sand, while the Rocche dell'Annunziata Vineyard rests on clayey soils with the presence of sandy layers. The average age of the plants is 25 years, the oldest vines (60-70 years) are found in the Cannubi. For further information on availability or price list contact me privately

Private companies that own the most vineyards in Italy: At the top is Marchesi Antinori, with its 3,350 hectares in production (considering also the 230 hectares of vineyards in the U.S. and the 100 in Chile); in second place is Marchesi Frescobaldi with 1,660 hectares (growing), bypassing the Zonin 1821 Group, owner of 1,600 hectares. Fourth place goes to Banfi, with 1,034 hectares, the first entity in the Brunello di Montalcino territory. They are followed in fifth place, with 1,018 hectares, by Tenute del Leone Alato, a wine-growing hub controlled by Leone Alato, an agribusiness holding company of the Generali Group. At No. 6 is the Terra Moretti group, chaired by Francesca Moretti and led by CEO Massimo Tuzzi, with an 899-hectare property spanning Franciacorta, Tuscany and Sardinia. Position No. 7 for Tommasi Family Estates, which started in the Veneto region (in Valpolicella) and has put together an estate of 800 hectares in several leading territories throughout Italy (from De Buris in Valpolicella to Casisano in Montalcino to Paternoster in Basilicata), while at No. 8 is still the Santa Margherita Group, with 608 hectares in its various estates. Closing out the “Top 10” are the Sicilian Cusumano (530 hectares) and Antonio Capaldo's Feudi di San Gregorio, which, starting in Irpinia, has increased its number of hectares under vine to 510, in several important territories in Italy (from Basilisco, the iconic winery in Vulture, to Campo alle Comete, in Bolgheri, and Galardi, producer of the iconic Terra di Lavoro wine, still in Campania). Source: winenews.it