Mike Trought’s Post

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.

Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon: Preserving Heritage and Tackling Future Challenges For over 20 years, work has been underway in Chile to delve into the genetics of the country’s rich patrimony of vines, blending innovation in viticulture with wine tourism and public-private partnerships. This dedication has now entered a new phase of high-level specialisation, with a focus on preserving and advancing the legacy of Chilean #CabernetSauvignon. I would like to extend my gratitude to the opinion leaders in wine and genetics from Chile, Switzerland, England and France whose guidance has been invaluable, throughout. This report summarises my 23 years in the field, highlighting the pivotal role of Cabernet Sauvignon across producing and consuming nations. I’m particularly grateful for the consistent research and editorial support of Fran Bridgewater FCIM - Chartered Marketer, with whom I have worked closely with for over two decades. After all, this variety is the global star. A Clone for the Future: Cabernet Sauvignon and the Challenges of Climate Change (Original Report by Forbes Argentina, by Juan Manuel Romero) ‘The pursuit of a new Cabernet Sauvignon clone in Chile could prove instrumental in overcoming the twin challenges of climate change and pest resilience. This initiative aims to ensure the longevity and quality of one of the world’s most iconic wine varieties. ‘At a time when the global wine industry faces mounting pressure, Cabernet Sauvignon is at a critical crossroads. As vineyards near the end of their productive lives — often within 30 to 40 years — disease and pest pressures demand innovative solutions. With its rich genetic heritage, Chile is uniquely positioned to lead the way. The Genetic Treasure of the Andes Chile’s viticultural landscape holds a distinct advantage: unlike Europe and much of the New World, it was untouched by the phylloxera crisis of the 1860s. As a result, its vines remain unaltered by the grafting practices that reshaped global vineyards, preserving a treasure trove of pre-phylloxera genetics. ‘This exceptional legacy inspired agronomist Maximiliano Morales to embark on a groundbreaking initiative: the creation of a Genetic Rescue Centre. This project seeks to preserve and propagate a Cabernet Sauvignon clone rooted in this pre-phylloxera material — an effort with the power to revolutionise viticulture in the face of modern challenges. A Resilient Future ‘The traditional rootstocks which saved Europe’s vineyards from phylloxera are increasingly vulnerable to emerging pests, such as Margarodes together with shifting climatic conditions. ‘Thus, the development of a Chilean clone represents a significant opportunity to create vines that are not only sustainable but also uniquely adapted to these evolving threats. For a deeper dive into the project and its implications, continue reading @ Forbes: https://lnkd.in/ewhK3FX6

What does sustainable viticulture look like? At Foothills Vineyards, we marry traditional viticulture with cutting-edge water conservation techniques, ensuring our wine production is both sustainable and sensitive to the environment. Our approach is deeply rooted in traditional practices - believing that a true understanding of vine health comes from physically walking through the vineyards. This hands-on method allows us to visually assess and respond to the needs of each plant, ensuring precision and care in our water usage. In our commitment to conservation, water is used judiciously from late November to January, a crucial period leading up to the February harvest. Our strategy involves significant initial irrigation to saturate the soil profile thoroughly, followed by a regimented schedule of shorter sessions - 6 hours and then 3 hours - timed meticulously around hotter conditions to maximise efficiency and minimise waste. An innovative aspect of our vineyard management is the ‘Rankie' - a technique where shoots are connected to wires or each other to shield against winds. The condition of the Rankie serves as a direct indicator of plant hydration: crisp and entwined shoots signify well-hydrated vines, while straightening indicates a need for water. By implementing these advanced techniques, we not only reduce our environmental footprint but also enhance the quality of our wine. Precise water management helps in stressing the vines just enough to produce more concentrated and flavourful grapes, crucial for crafting high-quality wines. Our advanced irrigation system utilises 3.2 litres of water per hour per dripper, equating to 17,065 litres per hour per hectare, proving that effective water management is possible without compromising the vineyard's health or productivity. If you want to celebrate the harmony between tradition and innovation - taste the vineyards at Foothills Wines, where every bottle tells a story of sustainability and quality. https://lnkd.in/dtbfsf-A #WineProduction #SustainableViticulture #WaterConservation #StellenboschWines #EcoFriendlyWinemaking

How AI Is Transforming The Ancient Art Of Fine #Winemaking Discover how prestigious #wineries like #ChateauMontelena are using #artificialintelligence (#AI) to optimize everything from #vine orientation to grape harvesting while preserving the #artistry and #tradition that makes great #wine unique. https://lnkd.in/eXVj8iEV

🍷 AI Meets Ancient Winemaking: A Blend of Tradition and Technology 🤖 For centuries, winemaking has been an art steeped in tradition, perfected over generations. Today, AI is transforming this age-old craft, bringing precision and innovation to every sip. 🔍 What’s Changing? AI-Powered Vineyards: Monitoring soil quality, weather patterns, and grape health for the perfect harvest. Fermentation Insights: AI analyzes fermentation data to ensure optimal flavor profiles. Taste Prediction: Algorithms help predict consumer preferences, crafting wines tailored to palates worldwide. 🛠️ Why It Matters This fusion of ancient knowledge and cutting-edge technology ensures better quality, sustainability, and efficiency while honoring winemaking’s rich heritage. Could AI-enhanced winemaking set a new gold standard in the industry? Cheers to innovation in every glass! 🥂 #AI #Winemaking #TraditionAndTech #ArtificialIntelligence #Sustainability #FoodTech #Innovation #SmartFarming

Chile, the land of rich viticultural heritage, is seeing a resurgence in its ancient vineyards, spearheaded by Max Morales, CEO of #AndesWines and its innovative #AncestralVineyards Wine Tours by AndesWines.com This concept is set to revolutionise the wine networking and business platform of Andes Wines, drawing from the extensive 23-year research journey of CEO Maximiliano Morales. Covering over 4,000 kilometres from Arica Parinacota to Patagonia, Morales has meticulously mapped the country’s oldest vineyards, originally brought across by European settlers. At the forefront of this initiative is the ‘ #ClimateChangeWineTour ’ which positions Chile as a global leader boasting the most extensive ungrafted, phylloxera-free vineyards. These tours invite enthusiasts to explore terroirs showcasing ancient vines, including Cabernet Sauvignon vines aged 40 to 140 years in Maule, Bio Bio and Maipo, together with Carmenere planted in 1945 in the O'Higgins region and Alto Jahuel in the Maipo Valley. One of the highlights of these explorations includes a visit to a mountain vineyard near Portillo (ski resort), over 1,600 metres above sea level, producing Cornisa Syrah-Malbec from Viña El Escorial in the Aconcagua Valley. A Historical Perspective: Wine in Chile Chile's winemaking history dates back to 1551, when Spanish immigrants brought the País grape, Listán Prieto from the Canaries, to the region through Peru. This variety, taking on different names across the Americas including ‘Mission grape’ in the US, was planted in La Serena, Coquimbo and even in the oases of the Atacama Desert. Later, French immigrants arrived, bringing with them varieties such as Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, especially in areas like San Rosendo at the Bio Bio-Laja River junction. Here, micro-vineyards of these varieties continue to produce exceptional wines from 140-year-old vines. Recent discoveries include Portuguese grape varieties in the Bio Bio region’s Millapoa sector and Bonarda vines near Puerto Varas in the southern-based Puelo Valley, indicating a thriving adaptation to the local climate. Morales' close involvement as Manager of the Innovation Agency of Government, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture via the Nodo Estrategico Chile Vitivinícola 2.0 highlights the significance of old vineyards, climate change adaptation and the consequent innovative marketing strategies behind these rescue missions. Projects span over 4,000 kilometres from the Codpa Valley in Arica Parinacota to experimental vineyards in Chile Chico. #Phylloxera #Terroirs hashtag #OldVineyards #AncestralVarieties Read: https://lnkd.in/e8sVZpyg Related news about #WineInnovaTech the leading #WineTech event that is pushing to create a Wine Private Fund: https://lnkd.in/eSzpYzs4

[INSIGHTS] ARE BORDEAUX VINEYARDS FACING TRUE TURBULENCES? ✈️  [In] 2024, the vineyards of Bordeaux, one of the world's most renowned wine-producing regions, are navigating a complex landscape marked by both challenges and opportunities. Bordeaux, with its prestigious appellations and centuries-old viticultural heritage, continues to captivate wine enthusiasts globally. However, the region faces significant pressures that are reshaping its viticulture and winemaking practices.   We already noticed that climate change is a predominant concern for Bordeaux's vineyards. The region has experienced increasing temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events. In recent years, these climatic shifts have affected grape ripening processes and harvest timings, forcing vintners to adapt their techniques. Some vineyards have started experimenting with heat-resistant grape varieties and implementing innovative irrigation systems to mitigate the impacts of prolonged droughts. Besides and in response to environmental challenges, Bordeaux vineyards are increasingly adopting sustainable practices. Organic and biodynamic farming methods are gaining traction as growers seek to reduce chemical usage and enhance soil health. The Bordeaux Wine Council (CIVB) has been instrumental in promoting sustainability, offering incentives for vineyards to achieve certifications such as HVE (High Environmental Value) and encouraging the adoption of renewable energy sources. These efforts are not only beneficial for the environment but also resonate with a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers.  And above all, Bordeaux's wine market is also evolving. The region is seeing a diversification of its consumer base, with younger generations showing interest in Bordeaux wines. This demographic shift is prompting wineries to explore new marketing strategies, including enhanced digital engagement and direct-to-consumer sales channels. Additionally, there is a rising demand for premium and niche wines, leading to increased focus on small-batch, artisanal production.  Last but not least, economic factors pose another layer of complexity for Bordeaux vineyards. The global economic environment, coupled with fluctuating exchange rates and trade policies, impacts export markets. Bordeaux wines, known for their premium pricing, must navigate these economic variables while maintaining their reputation for quality. Furthermore, labor shortages and rising production costs are pressuring vineyard operations, necessitating efficiency improvements and technological innovations. As 2024 unfolds, Bordeaux's vineyards are a testament to resilience and adaptability. Will Bordeaux vineyards endure indefinitely? Professionals assert: we must strive to ensure they do. PWS carries excellent value for money choices, to seduce both modern and traditional wines lovers. 🤝 Vins de Bordeaux - CIVB

Do you drink Concha y Toro? Every wondered why Chilean wines are such high quality yet not expensive? Here’s your answer! Plus, learn about the grape that was mistaken for Merlot (until the 1990s!), and discover why Chile’s geography and climate are so unique that they can practice more sustainable and organic farming. Salud! https://lnkd.in/edksA9Re

📉 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘅 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀: 𝗣𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲? Vineyard area: from 100,000 ha in the early 1990s to a peak of 125,000 ha in 2005 and less than 100,000 ha in 2025 😧 The Bordeaux wine industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in recent years. With declining demand, oversupply, and new pressures from global wine markets, Bordeaux producers are grappling with difficult decisions that are reshaping the region’s future. ⚠️𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 ?❗Despite inspiring strategies put in place by some individual growers, the response at the regional level is just digging up vines 🌱 in an uncontrolled manner. In an effort to stabilize the market, approximately 10,000 hectares of vines will be soon uprooted. An economic-driven strategy but what about a more resilient approach that takes account of social and environmental aspects? But let’s stick to vineyard sustainability for now. 🍇 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗔 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘀 Recent years have shown that the region is not structured to pull out so many vines in such a short space of time. To name just a few difficulties: the length of the administrative decision, the logistics with service providers, the soil and climate conditions, etc. The Bordeaux vineyards are already struggling with the spread of wood diseases (mainly Esca). Now imagine the risk with piles of uprooted vines and a large number of abandoned vineyards. 🚀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘂𝘅 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴? The crisis calls for adaptation and innovation: • Adopting sustainable and regenerative practices to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly wines. • Investing in R&D projects to better adapt and protect vineyards • Training growers, given the new technical challenges brought about by climate change With continued effort and local talent, the region can emerge stronger, but this will require unity, innovation, and commitment to long-term change. 🍷✨ #BordeauxWine #RegenerativeViticulture #WineIndustry #Sustainability #WoodDisease