Winemakers grappling with the adverse effects of climate change may find solutions in ancient grape varieties that thrived for centuries in Israel’s Negev Desert, according to researchers at the University of Haifa. By reviving these resilient cultivars and adopting traditional cultivation techniques, the wine industry could better withstand the challenges posed by a warming planet.
Grapevines are highly sensitive to climatic shifts, requiring consistent sunlight for sugar development, adequate water for acidity, and ample sun exposure to enhance tannins, which influence a wine’s flavor and texture. Even minor environmental disruptions can compromise both the quality and yield of grapes. With global temperatures projected to rise, many wine-producing regions may need to overhaul their practices to remain viable.
Researchers at the University of Haifa’s School of Archaeology and Maritime Cultures believe that ancient grape varieties, which endured the Negev’s harsh, arid conditions, could offer a way forward. By reviving these historical cultivars and studying the traditional methods used to cultivate them, the team aims to provide modern winemakers with tools to enhance vineyard resilience.
The researchers have successfully revived several grapevine cultivars that ancient growers propagated over centuries through grafting, selective breeding, and other techniques. They have also uncovered the agronomic practices that enabled these vines to flourish in a challenging environment.
“Our findings suggest that reviving and incorporating historical cultivars, along with the agronomic practices that supported their growth, can significantly enhance the resilience of vineyards in the face of climate change,” said Joshua Schmidt, co-lead researcher on the project. “Vineyards are an inherently long-term investment, and understanding the historical context of viticulture in arid regions like the Negev can provide modern winemakers with essential insights.”
Schmidt and his colleague, Prof. Guy Bar-Oz, have published their decade-long study in the peer-reviewed journal Horticulturae. Their research highlights how ancient grape varieties thrived in the Negev for centuries and suggests that reintroducing these cultivars could play a crucial role in ensuring the future viability of wine production.
The interdisciplinary team, which includes bioarchaeologists, cultural historians, paleogeneticists, ethnographers, and wine experts, identified and revived several grapevine cultivars by interviewing local farmers and analyzing ancient DNA from grape remnants. Their work bridges the gap between historical knowledge and modern agricultural practices.
“By understanding how past farmers successfully navigated the challenges of their environment, we can inform current practices, enhance the sustainability of the wine industry at a time when it is under significant threat, and preserve the rich viticultural histories and lineages in wine-growing regions,” said Bar-Oz. “This research underscores the significance of historical knowledge in contemporary agriculture.”
The team has established a heritage nursery at Moshav Shekef, where young grapevines are planted using traditional methods and tended with modern agricultural techniques. Researchers closely monitor the vines’ responses to the revival process, providing valuable data for future applications.
As climate change continues to threaten global wine production, the revival of ancient grape varieties and traditional cultivation methods offers a promising path forward. By blending historical wisdom with modern science, winemakers may be able to safeguard their industry for generations to come.
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