Red Bordeaux wines blended with non-traditional grape varieties have been shown to maintain their classical taste, according to a recent study. This research explored alternatives to traditional grape varieties as winemakers seek to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
A professional panel assessed several Bordeaux wines that included one of five alternative grape varieties, a historical cross from the 1950s, and a Portuguese grape. The results indicated that including up to 30% of these novel grapes did not significantly change the wines’ regional character, or "typicity." Researchers concluded that while the classical reference blend was deemed the most representative, the study supports integrating these alternative varieties into the traditional Bordeaux mix.
Current regulations permit only certain grape varieties for wines labeled with specific appellations. Nevertheless, Bordeaux producers are investigating innovative grape options to adapt to climate changes while preserving the distinctive qualities of their wines.
The study builds upon previous findings that identified five non-Bordeaux grape varieties—Fer Servadou, Duras, Manseng Noir, Vinhão, and Arinarnoa—that share taste characteristics with classic Bordeaux grapes. The wines were tested in blends containing either 10% or 30% of these alternatives, using a base of the classical grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
In total, 37 judges tasted the resulting 11 wines, including a reference wine, while a second panel of 20 judges, each with an average of 18 years of experience in Bordeaux tasting, further evaluated them. Tastings were conducted at Château La Tour Carnet in St-Laurent-Médoc, known for its experimental grape variety plots.
While one panel noted minimal changes to typicity, the second panel observed reduced typicity for wines containing 30% Vinhão, as well as for Fer Servadou and higher proportions of Manseng Noir. This finding suggests the need for additional research, but it opens the door to the potential legal integration of these varieties into Bordeaux wines.
Arinarnoa was already one of six new grape varieties approved for experimental use within the Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur appellations back in 2021.