Prosecco could be wiped out by climate change, research finds
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Prosecco, the UK’s favorite sparkling wine, could be wiped out by climate change, according to new research.
Vineyards on mountainsides — where the grapes that go into the fizzy drink — are produced — are most at risk from soil degradation and drought, scientists say.
The phenomenon also applies to other famous vintages, including Burgundy, Grand Cru and Cabernet Sauvignon, the world’s most popular red wine.
It’s a favorite at weddings and parties, but the country’s beloved prosecco could be wiped out by climate change, according to research
Lead author of the study Dr. Paolo Tarolli, from the University of Padova in Italy, said: ‘The risk is not just losing an agricultural product or seeing a landscape change, negatively impacting the local economy.
“There is a risk of losing the history of entire communities and their cultural roots,” write Dr. Tarolli and colleagues in the journal iScience.
The soils on mountain vineyards are usually thin and eroded, and over millions of years erosion has carried the soil and water downhill. But the mountainous terrain is key to creating flavor in wines.
Mountain soils lead to grapes that are small, like blueberries, but have a higher skin-to-juice ratio.
Because there is so much aroma, flavor and tannin in the skins, mountain wines often have an intense taste.
But the vineyards on the slopes of Italy, Portugal and Spain are also the most difficult to maintain, giving rise to the phrase “heroic viticulture.”
Farmers and scientists must work together to save some of the world’s most celebrated wines, the Italian team said.
Dr. Tarolli said: ‘The great effort required to manage these areas reinforces the specific connection between humans and the environment.
Mountainside vineyards — where prosecco grapes are produced — are most at risk from soil degradation and drought, scientists say. Pictured, prosecco vineyards in summer, Valdobbiadene, Italy
‘That is why they are recognized as cultural uniqueness of primary historical and social importance, in which traditional knowledge is still decisive.’
Mountain vineyards get a lot of sun because of their elevation – from the start of the day and tend to be cooler than low-lying locations.
Despite being bathed in the sun, the grapes do not bake in the heat. This gives the final wine balance and a sense of freshness, according to the authors.
The study cites poor soil and less rainfall as the biggest threat to the industry.
Potential solutions to prevent soil loss include growing grass between the vines to hold the soil together and collecting rainwater in tanks on the slope to prevent runoff.
Dr. Tarolli said: ‘The last half century has been characterized by a rural exodus and a gradual neglect of mountain landscapes. But the shortage of labor is also a problem, according to the study.
‘The new generation does not want to continue working under extreme conditions if the economic benefits are insignificant.’
The growing popularity of prosecco comes at a high cost, with a huge amount of land lost over steep slopes.
Demand has increased by more than a third in five years, the fastest of any sparkling wine, while Champagne grew only about 1 percent over the same period.
While Italy’s vineyards are under threat, rising temperatures could benefit UK grape growers.
A recent report, Climate Resilience in the UK Wine Sector, found that rising temperatures in the coming years could make Britain a major player in quality wine production. contents.