Future Frontiers

Bordeaux researchers are currently experimenting with 52 grape varieties to find ones that can produce Bordeaux-style wines if climate change significantly alters the region’s growing conditions. The region is expecting increasingly wet, stormy winters and hot, dry summers. Selected from warmer regions in Europe, grapes including touriga nacional, xinomavro and assyrtiko have been planted in an experimental parcel in PessacLéognan. Out of the 52 varieties, around 20 grapes have been selected for micro-fermentation this year after being planted in 2009. However, there’s going to be a long wait before those wines could hit the shelves, as researchers have to go through a series of tests and regulatory approvals.