Are we losing our wine heritage? The story of Garnacha blanca…
Many native grape varieties adapt to particular environmental conditions, embodying unique wine expressions that define different rural territories. Each grape variety constitutes part of the diverse heritage of the world’s vineyards, and each is the result of centuries of selection and adaptation. However, since 1965, the trend of homogenization in grape planting, producing more easily commercialized wines, has prevailed over quality and differentiation.
During the 20th century, over 75% of European grape varieties became extinct. This is a clear example of the loss of biodiversity and, consequently, oenological wealth. Garnacha blanca, the white-berried mutation of red Garnacha, is quite a clear example. This ancient variety, which requires a long ripening cycle, is characterized by being vigorous yet sensitive, producing very aromatic wines with citrus and white fruit tones.
This variety lost ground for decades in Spain as it was replaced by other more productive or fashionable ones. At the end of the 20th century, it was on the verge of extinction in its homeland. However, winemakers from various regions of Spain have joined forces to preserve this variety, increasing its planting area and restoring its richly textured and expressive wines. The moral of the story? The wine sector becomes impoverished when varieties are lost.
The MINORSENS project works on a large number of varieties in different stages of extinction. For example, Aurígera is considered an ancient Castilian variety, previously planted in the Arribes del Duero and also in the Aliste region of Zamora. Today, it is considered to be in critical danger of extinction. It is related to the Godello family of varieties, and although it was highly valued for centuries as a high-quality variety, it was gradually replaced by other more productive ones.
Similarly, the Rufete grape variety in Spain can be found in the Sierra de Salamanca region, along the border with Portugal. Here it is called Rufete in Spain and Tinta Pinheira in Portugal. When the berries of the variety mutate to white, they are called Rufete Serrano.
Project overview by activities
Activity 1. To provide samples of minority grape varieties from both sides of the Spain-Portugal border: within the project, we are seeking to study grape varieties near extinction. We are working with local cooperatives and oenological stations to coordinate the collection of less common varieties (musts and wines) from the 2023 and 2024 harvests, as well as the production of wines from these varieties.
Activity 2. Physical-chemical characterization of minority varieties: once the grapes, musts, and wines are obtained, we will analyze them through conventional methods (spectrophotometry, chromatography, etc.) and innovative techniques such as electronic tongues and noses. These are instruments based on resistive sensors that, connected to a computer, are capable of identifying chemical patterns that affect the taste and aroma of a wine.
Activity 3. Optimization of bioprocesses: different fermentation/maceration processes will be designed based on the variety and ripening level, with intensive monitoring during fermentation. Tools will be designed to detect potential problems in the fermentation process to avoid standstills or deviations that could negatively affect wine quality.
Activity 4. Extraction and determination of bioactive compounds: we are working to develop extraction methods of bioactive compounds from musts and wines and to evaluate the processes to increase their content. We will also study their biological activity (in vitro and in vivo) from the perspective of wine as a functional food.
Activity 5. Intelligent control system for the fermentation process: thanks to the monitoring of the fermentation process, we’ll develop a predictive system to be applied in wineries, helping to control different stages of the process and predict possible deviations.
Activity 6. Training and communication plan: lastly, we’ll disseminate the results through various channels, emphasizing the importance of preserving these endangered varieties.
