Climate change is no longer a distant concern for winegrowers.
Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall events, and increasingly frequent hailstorms are already reshaping vineyards across Europe. In the hills of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, home to Italy's renowned Prosecco Superiore DOCG, producers are responding with a proactive strategy focused on one of the vineyard's most valuable assets: the soil.
A recent study presented by the Consorzio Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG and Banca Prealpi SanBiagio highlights how vineyard management must evolve to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of this UNESCO World Heritage wine region. Based on climate projections extending to 2100, the research provides practical solutions designed to help vineyards adapt to increasingly challenging growing conditions.
The Soil as the First Line of Defense
The study identifies soil health as the cornerstone of climate adaptation. Healthy soils rich in organic matter and microbial biodiversity have a remarkable capacity to retain water and support vine resilience during periods of drought.
One of the key recommendations is the wider adoption of cover crops and green manure. By sowing legumes and grasses between vineyard rows and incorporating them back into the soil, growers can significantly improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. Research suggests that increasing soil organic matter by just 1% can enable the retention of up to 300,000 additional liters of water per hectare.
Beyond water management, organic matter helps reduce reliance on synthetic fertilizers while promoting healthier vine growth and better ecological balance.
Capturing Water Before It Is Lost
As rainfall patterns become increasingly irregular, water management is emerging as a critical challenge. While annual precipitation may remain relatively stable, rainfall is becoming more concentrated in short periods, often leading to runoff rather than effective soil absorption.
To address this issue, researchers recommend the construction of micro-reservoirs strategically positioned within vineyard landscapes. These small basins collect rainwater during wet periods and provide an emergency water source during summer droughts.
Micro-reservoirs also help reduce soil erosion and mitigate the risk of landslides, which are significant concerns in the steep vineyard slopes characteristic of Conegliano Valdobbiadene. By slowing runoff and improving water retention, these structures contribute to both environmental sustainability and vineyard stability.
Earlier Harvests and Changing Wine Profiles
The effects of climate change are already visible in the vineyard. Over the past three decades, the vine's phenological cycle has shortened by nearly two weeks, resulting in significantly earlier harvest dates.
Warmer temperatures accelerate ripening, altering the balance between sugars, acidity, and aromatic compounds. As a result, wines may increasingly display riper fruit characteristics, including exotic fruit notes and subtle spice aromas, while naturally losing some freshness and acidity.
For a denomination built around the distinctive character of Glera, maintaining balance and typicity is essential. Adaptation strategies therefore focus not on changing grape varieties but on helping existing vineyards perform optimally under new climatic conditions.
Managing Vine Growth for Future Conditions
The study also recommends adjustments to canopy management practices. Rather than aggressively removing leaves during summer, growers are encouraged to maintain sufficient foliage to protect grape clusters from excessive sun exposure.
This natural shading effect helps reduce berry temperatures, prevent sunburn, and preserve delicate aromatic compounds. Maintaining a balanced canopy can therefore play an important role in preserving wine quality during increasingly frequent heatwaves.
The future of Conegliano Valdobbiadene depends on the ability to combine tradition with innovation. Through improved soil management, smarter water conservation, and adaptive vineyard practices, producers are demonstrating that climate resilience can be achieved while preserving the unique identity of one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions.
Source: WineNews
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