THE DOURO'S INDIGENOUS GRAPE VARIETIES: VALUE, CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
One of the great attributes of the
Douro region is its wealth of traditional grape varieties, many of them unique varieties grown exclusively in its territories.
In this article, we'll talk about the importance of this diversity in enhancing the region's identity and show you the biggest challenges and opportunities associated with preserving these
indigenous grape varieties.
The value of the Douro's traditional grape varieties
Portugal is a country rich in indigenous grape varieties, with around 250 varieties spread throughout its wine-growing regions.
In the Douro, this diversity takes on a unique expression, with grape varieties that adapt perfectly to the particular conditions of the local terroir. This variety is not only a feature of the region's identity, but also one of the secrets behind the wines with character and authenticity that the Douro offers.
Among the best-known varieties are Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cão, among the red grapes; and Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Rabigato and Gouveio, among the white grapes.
Many of these varieties are used in the production of the famous Port wines, but also in table wines. Each of them has unique characteristics which, when worked alone or combined in blends, allow winemakers to create unique wines that reflect the terroirs, history and traditions of the Douro.
It is the distinct characteristics of these traditional grape varieties that give Douro wines a unique identity, differentiating them from other wine regions. For this reason, they play a crucial role in the valorisation and recognition of the Douro region among wine lovers around the world.
The challenges facing the Douro grape varieties
Despite their inestimable value, the Douro's grape varieties are subject to a number of challenges that could pose a threat to their preservation.
Starting with climate change, which is already affecting the Douro's terraced landscapes. Rising temperatures, lack of water and the occurrence of extreme weather events have an impact on the ripeness of the grapes and the composition of the soil, which has required adaptations in vineyard management.
On the other hand, producing high-quality wines from traditional grape varieties can be more expensive, due to the need for specific care and viticultural practices and the lower yields that characterise some of these varieties. This economic pressure can lead producers to opt for more productive and less demanding varieties, jeopardising the preservation of indigenous varieties.
The development opportunities available to the region
There are, however, producers in the region, including Sogevinus, who choose to see the glass as half full (an especially interesting approach if the glass contains Douro wine), paying attention to the opportunities presented by traditional grape varieties.
Originality and authenticity
In a competitive global market, there is room for Douro wines to stand out, not only for their quality, but also for their originality. Many of the region's traditional grape varieties are still little known outside of Portugal, and here we have the opportunity to present a unique, added-value proposal to a more curious and demanding consumer.
This authenticity is increasingly valued by connoisseurs looking for unique and distinctive experiences.
Sustainability and Innovation
Preserving and promoting the Douro's traditional grape varieties is also a way of preserving the region's cultural and viticultural heritage. By opting for these varieties, producers contribute to the sustainability of local viticulture, keeping ancestral techniques alive. By combining sustainable practices with some modern winemaking techniques, it is now possible to increase the resilience of the vineyards and improve the quality of the wines, while focussing on the traditional varieties.
Wine tourism
Wine tourism is another significant opportunity to promote traditional grape varieties. There is growing interest from tourists looking to visit estates, walk through vineyards, do wine tastings and take part in many other experiences that allow them to testify to the uniqueness of the Douro's terroir and proposals.
What is being done to preserve the Douro's traditional grape varieties?
To protect the region's heritage and ecosystem, as well as Douro traditions in the vineyard and winery, and in order to maximise the value of this asset, a series of measures are already being implemented by various producers, including:
> studies to increase knowledge of the Douro's traditional grapevarieties
>attempts to recover traditional grape varieties that are on the verge of extinction
>studies to identify the most resistant grape varieties to climate change
> ways of combining and reinterpreting traditional techniques with the support of innovative technologies
In the case of Sogevinus, the commitment to preserving traditional grape varieties is visible in a number of specific actions. The group maintains a significant area of old vines, where a large number of grape varieties can be found, some of them little known. These vineyards are responsible for producing top quality wines. One such example is the Oratório vineyard, Quinta da Boavista's ex-libris, which brings together 56 different grape varieties.
In order to maintain and protect this valuable heritage, Sogevinus geo-references all the plants and identifies each specific grape variety. This approach guarantees the continuity of the same variety when dead vines are replaced, thus perpetuating the vineyard's terroir.
Another important contribution is the investment the group has made in launching new wines from traditional and minority grape varieties, such as Rufete, Tinto Cão Rosé, Donzelinho Tinto, Folgasão and Esgana Cão.
To make these projects viable, viticulture has selected some of these so-called minority varieties from the old vines, confirmed their potential through microvinifications and invested in new plantings of these varieties on a larger scale.
This combination of tradition and innovation guarantees not only the preservation, but also the valorisation and revival of the Douro's traditional grape varieties.
A centuries-old heritage with an eye on the future
All these efforts to preserve and promote the Douro's traditional grape varieties aim not only to protect a unique and invaluable cultural heritage, but also to
position the region as a symbol of quality and authenticity in the world of wine.
The distinctive terroirs, the diversity of grape varieties, the centuries-old vineyards and the unique collaboration between man and nature (which has resulted in a breathtaking terraced landscape that has already been elevated to World Heritage status) are all treasures that we want to preserve and carry into the future.
At Sogevinus, we are committed to this mission and to helping write a new chapter in the history of Douro wines.
If you're interested in discovering the unique story that this region's traditional grape varieties have to tell, take a look at the suggestions we have for you in our Uva Wine Shop.
