Bordeaux’s New Grape Varieties

• Climate change and rising temperature in recent years are making the winemakers worried.

• In Bordeaux, red wines that were 12% abv 30 years ago have now increased to 13-15% in recent vintages.

• If no proper actions are taken, the alcohol levels will rise to the extent were the typical Bordeaux styles wont be seen, thus losing the wine heritage of Bordeaux.

• Due to these concerns the Winemakers have been looking forward towards measures to change wine regulations of the region.

• After over a decade of study and research conducted among around 50 grape varieties, in January 2021 INAO Institut national de l’origine et de la qualité (France’s National Appellation Body) approved six new grape varieties to be used in the Bordeaux Blend.

• These new varieties include four reds – Arinarnoa, Castets, Marselan and Touriga Nacional – and two whites – Alvarinho and Liliorila, All of which are well-adapted to alleviate hydric stress associated with temperature increases and shorter growing cycles.

• The new varieties are limited to 5% in the vineyard area and a maximum of 10% of a final blend. Can only be used in Bordeaux and Bordeaux Superieur appellations.

• The plantings are expected to begin in April 2021, however the first harvest is to be allowed after three years of planting.

• So these new varieties can be expected in the bottles starting in 2024. However the names wont be mentioned on the label as minimum of 15% grape varietal is required to be used in the blend.

“The vignerons were worried. They felt that if nothing was done, in 40 years Bordeaux as we know it would not exist.” —Bernard Farges, Bordeaux Wine Council

Four New Red Grapes

1. Marselan –

It’s a Cabernet Sauvignon * Grenache Noir Cross

Resisting Grey Rot and Noble Rot

Rich Colored

Full Bodied Late ripening, hence lower risk of suffering from spring frost.

Suitable for aging

Supple Tannins

2. Touriga Nacional –

Portugal Grape Variety born in the Dao region

Good Natural Resistance to Wine Diseases 

Late ripening

Lots of Black Fruits

Full Bodied Aromatic.

High Tannins Structured wines that can get complex with age.

3. Castets –

Old forgotten variety of Bordeaux

Origin in Southwestern France.

Resistance to downy Mildew, powdery mildew and grey rot.

Deep color

High alcohol

Low acidity

Good aging potential.

4. Arinarnoa –

A Cross between Tannat * Cabernet Sauvignon – developed by France’s INRA in 1956.

Large bunches with steady production

Late bursting buds protect against spring frosts.

It has good resistance to grey rot.

High Tannins.

Low sugar levels.

Medium acidity.

Structured Wines with persistent aromas and good color.

Two New White Grapes

1. Alvarinho –

Origin: Spain/Portugal AKA Alvarinho in Portugal’s Vinho Verde and Albariño in Spain’s Galicia.

Better resistance against grey rot

Strong aromatic qualities

Relatively high acidity.

2. Liliorila –

It’s a Cross of Baroque * Chardonnay, developed by INRA in 1956

Very flowery, powerful and aromatic

Less susceptible to grey rot

Low acidity.

The new approved varieties are known as ‘NEW VARIETIES OF INTEREST FOR ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE’

The Major grapes of Bordeaux are: Red – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc ; White – Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle.

The Additional grapes of Bordeaux are: Red – Malbec, Carmenere and Petit Verdot ; White – Ugni Blanc, Merlot Blanc, Colombard and Sauvignon Gris.