Page 61 - Grapevine Jan-Feb 2020
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Around The Vineyard
arid weather conditions, it can be grown using
environmentally friendly vineyard practices. For
instance, these vines are not dependent on rain-
water because their roots can delve deep into sub-
terranean water tables. In addition, the plant has a
robust wooden frame that is drought and disease
resistant. Often Grenache is grown as a free-stand-
ing bush with its strong, sturdy trunk able to sur-
vive in strong winds. In consideration of all these
attributes, in 2011, the World Climate Change and
Wine Conference with Kofi An-nan in Marbella,
Spain recognized Grenache as a product well pre-
pared for climate change.
Currently, over 90 percent of Grenache grows
in Spain and France. The regions have been cer-
ti-fied in two European Union quality schemes:
While Grenache can grow in a diverse range PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and PDO
of soils, the vines respond best to the schist, (Protected Designation of Origin). The EU estab-
lime-stone and clay soils abundantly found in lished these schemes in 2012 for agricultural com-
Northeastern Spain and the Roussillon in southern modities to ensure that the products originated in
France. Here the grapes’ tight clusters make it a this particular region. Also, these schemes ensure
perfect choice for these hot and dry soils. How- that the product has been produced in accordance
ever, the same tight grape clusters make Grenache with European agricultural production methods
prone to downy mildew and bunch rot when grown that focus on nutrition and health, food safety,
in humid or rainy locations. Also, as the grapes traceability, authenticity and labeling.
ripen relatively late, they work best in very warm
regions. Five PDO vineyards in Spain specialize in the
Grenache grape variety: Somontano, Terra Alta,
Another positive attribute of these hardy and vig- Cariñena, Calatayud, and Campo de Borja. Within
orous Grenache vines is that they use less natu-ral these regions exists 5,500 wine growers and 144
resources than many other vines. In fact, Grenache wineries, with Grenache repenting about 40% of
could be seen as the world’s most eco-friendly their vineyards. (Other varieties are Tem-pranillo,
and sustainable grape. As this grape adapts to Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah). Rosé and White
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