© Decanter
Spain’s wine industry is experiencing a renaissance, with a renewed focus on reviving long-forgotten grape varieties. Decades of prioritizing high-yield, international varietals led to a significant loss of genetic diversity. However, a new generation of winemakers is returning to their roots, seeking out indigenous grapes with unique characteristics.
This resurgence is driven by several factors. Climate change is making traditional varieties more resilient, and consumers are increasingly seeking out unique, authentic wines. Forward-thinking producers like the Torres family have been at the forefront of this movement for over thirty years, recovering varieties such as Querol, Selma Blanca, and Garró.
Institutes like Castilla y León’s ITACyL are also playing a crucial role, actively working to recover and preserve these lost treasures. Many of these rediscovered grapes possess valuable traits, including drought resistance and the ability to thrive in high temperatures – qualities increasingly important in a changing climate.
The revival extends across various regions. In Catalonia, projects like Lagravera are unearthing and propagating dozens of historic Spanish grapes. Meanwhile, universities in the Canary Islands are identifying and cultivating even more, ensuring the future of these diverse varietals.
This renewed interest in native grapes offers a path towards sustainability and innovation. These varieties often possess natural acidity and aromatic complexity, leading to fresh, exciting wines that cater to evolving consumer preferences. The future of Spanish wine looks bright, thanks to a vibrant movement that is both preserving heritage and shaping the future of the industry.
