According to Dailymail, vineyards on the slopes of mountains, where the grapes used to make sparkling wine are grown, are at risk of soil degradation. This issue also affects other renowned regions, including Burgundy and Grand Cru, and could impact Cabernet Sauvignon, the most popular red wine in the world. Soils in mountainous vineyards are typically thin and eroded, with soil and water being carried downhill by erosion over millions of years. However, the mountainous terrain is key to creating the aroma in wine.
As stated in the article, mountainous soils allow for the cultivation of small-sized grapes with a higher ratio of skin to juice, much like berries. Since the skin contains a lot of aroma, flavor, and tannin, mountain wines often have an intense taste.
Nevertheless, vineyards on hillside slopes in Italy, Portugal, and Spain are also the most challenging to maintain, hence the term “heroic viticulture.”
Farmers and scientists must work together to save some of the world’s most famous wines, as mentioned in the article. Research has shown that poor soil and insufficient rainfall are the biggest threats to the industry.
Possible solutions to prevent soil loss include growing grass between the grapevines to retain soil and collecting rainwater in reservoirs on the hillside slopes to prevent runoff.
