Four new red and two white wine grape varietals can be grown in Bordeaux as a result of formal approval by the Institut National de l’Origine et de la Qualite, a part of France’s Ministry of Agriculture.
The decision comes after years of research by scientists and growers who were focused on supplementing Bordeaux’s varieties to address the impact of climate change. Arinarnoa, castets, marselan and touriga nacional — a Portuguese varietal — are said to adapt well to stress from temperature increases.
The two new white varietals are alvarinho and liloria.
Bordeaux producers are loathe to change tradition, but the climate changes have forced their hand. With these grapes being first planted this year, it’s hard to predict who will use them and how they will change the flavor profile of these prestigious wines, but I can’t wait to try them.