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Château La Tour Carnet in Bordeaux has published the initial results of its research into the heat and water stress tolerance of new red grape varieties. The Arinarnoa variety in particular proved to be drought-resistant and aromatically well suited. This was reported by Marc Plantevin from La Tour Carnet at a conference in Bordeaux.
In 2013, the château planted an experimental vineyard with 75 varieties, 26 of which are now being analysed further. The vines are warmed using heating cables and climate conditions are simulated that are forecast for the year 2050. The harvest will therefore begin two to three weeks earlier than today. Plantevin is analysing phenology, resistance to water shortages and the malic acid content of the musts. Arinarnoa showed particularly favourable characteristics: The late bud formation makes it less susceptible to spring frosts and discolouration sets in later, explained Plantevin. The variety proves to be drought-resistant and preserves the acidity of its musts due to the slow degradation of malic acid. It also produces good yields.
In order to test its suitability for wines in the typical Bordeaux style, Plantevin produced 89 microvinifications from the test vineyard in four vintages, which were tasted by experts. Arinarnoa was described as typical of Bordeaux wines. The only variety with equally good ratings was Manseng Noir. Even a Bordeaux blend containing 30 per cent Arinarnoa was considered "very typical of Bordeaux".
In these tests, Touriga Nacional, which was authorised for Bordeaux in 2019, was described as atypical, as were many other grape varieties tested at the winery. Despite the promising results, Marc Plantevin remains cautious: "There is no perfect grape variety and the soil type must not be neglected. Petit Verdot, Carmenère and Cabernet Sauvignon have not yet spoken their last word."
(al / source: vitisphere)