There is an interest today in many wine countries for old, forgotten, grape varieties. Since 1990, the Technical Institute of Agriculture in the region of Castilla y León in Spain (ITACYL) has been conducting research with the aim of reintroducing the best clones of old, local grape varieties that adapt well to global warming.
The researchers found a vast number of “forgotten” grape varieties in the vineyards. After evaluation, 14 grape varieties have now been selected:
- áurea,
- bastardillo chico (merenzao),
- bruñal,
- cenicienta,
- estaladiña,
- gajo arroba,
- mandón (garró),
- negreda,
- negro saurí (merenzao),
- puesta en cruz (rabigato – well-known in the Douro Valley),
- puesto mayor,
- rufete serrano blanco,
- tinto jeromo and
- verdejo colorao.
All of these have given good results both in the vineyard and in the wine cellar. Some are already approved for planting, others are waiting for permission.
These “new” grape varieties will complement tempranillo and other varieties that already exist in the region. Castilla y León includes famous Ribera del Duero.
Read more: http://www.itacyl.es/en/inicio
