Última actualización en julio 24, 2023

French wine growers are increasingly more and more interested in desert winemaking as a result of climate change, inspirado en historias de éxito de enólogos israelíes en el desierto de Negev.

According to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, el cambio climático está perjudicando la producción de vino en el mediterráneo, due to increasingly higher temperatures and reduced precipitation in areas where wine is traditionally grown.

En 2019, wine production in Spain had already fallen by 24 por ciento, in Italy and France it had dropped by 15 por ciento.

Dos botellas de vino cultivado localmente en el desierto de Israel
Rota wine, one of several desert wines grown in Southern Israel.

Growing wine in the Negev desert

Israel is a forerunner in desert wine cultivation with sobre 30 varieties of grapes grown in the small municipality of Mitzpe Ramon, in the southern part of the country, where there is a clima desértico with temperatures regurarly reaching 37°C (100°F) during the day and then dropping sharply at night.

Israeli farmers in the Negev desert adopt new technologies and technique which allows them to use as little water as possible for growing their crops.

Negev’s Pinto Winery is expecting to produce 55,000 bottles of their Pinto wines this season, while also growing olive and argan trees.

A principios de este año, they have received a visit from French winemakers from Bordeaux, with whom they shared their desert viniculture tips and secrets for successful harvesting in extreme heat.

French producers have become increasingly worried about their vineyards following the heatwave experienced by Mediterranean countries such as France and Italy, which caused extreme dry conditions and harmed the grapes.

A vineyard near Mitzpe Ramon, in Israel's Negev desert.
A vineyard near Mitzpe Ramon, in Israel’s Negev desert.

Desert Wine

The majority of wine producers in Israel are still located in the north of the country, where the climate is mediterranean and rain more abundant. But more and more vineyards are appearing in the desierto de negev, where the wine produced is “more dry, stronger in alcohol”.

Scientists and wine growers are working together to experiment with vineculture techniques that allow for the cultivation of different types of desert wines, including dessert and sparkling varieties.

The Pinto Winery currently grows Malbec, Syrah, Grenache, and Petit-verdot grapes for red wines, Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Viognie for whites.

According to the CEO, existen two varities which do not grow very well in the desert: Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. With the threat of desertification in Mediterranean areas, we may soon have to bid farewell to these wines in favor of more desert-friendly varieties.

Video: A Wine-Oasis in the Israeli Negev Desert

A Wine-Oasis in the Israeli Negev Desert. Fuente: Official YouTube Channel of the State of Israel

Leer también: What fruits and vegetables can you grow in the desert?

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