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Happy Monday! We hope you have a fantastic week ahead. In this week’s DECORKED digest, you’ll explore the global wine production crisis, the rise of cover crops in vineyards, ancient wine discoveries in Greece, the science of petrol aromas, natural wine at Notre-Dame’s reopening, and much more. Keep reading!

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GLOBAL WINE OUTPUT TO HIT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1961

Global wine production in 2024 is projected to decline to 227-235 million hectolitres, marking a 2% drop from 2023 and a 13% decrease from the 10-year average, due largely to climate-related challenges like frosts, droughts, and heavy rainfall. European output, which represents 60% of global production, is expected to hit its lowest levels this century, with France seeing a dramatic 23% drop due to weather and disease, while Italy reclaimed its top spot with 41 million hectolitres. Southern hemisphere production is at a two-decade low, and global wine consumption has also fallen, down 3.9% in early 2024, reflecting shifting consumer habits, though Prosecco remains a bright spot with rising demand.

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HOW GROWERS USE COVER CROPS TO MAKE BETTER WINE

Cover crops are increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in sustainable viticulture, improving soil health, enhancing vine vigor, and ultimately boosting wine quality. By stabilizing soil, reducing compaction, retaining water, and attracting beneficial insects, cover crops offer both environmental and agricultural benefits, such as minimizing erosion and cutting the need for chemical inputs. Winemakers are experimenting with site-specific blends of legumes, grasses, and brassicas to optimize soil conditions, manage pests naturally, and support biodiversity. While challenges like drought and site limitations persist, many growers have noted improved vine health, fermentation strength, and wine complexity.

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MANY WINE LOVERS ACTUALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT COMMON TERMS MEAN

Despite 43% of Brits identifying as wine lovers, more than half admit they're mystified by common wine terms. The most baffling is "terroirs," with 60% of respondents stumped, and some even believing it means "terribly good." Terms like "caudalie" (how long wine lingers on the palate) and "enology" (the science of winemaking) also leave many scratching their heads. Understanding terms like "cuvee" or "legs" not only enhances appreciation but also builds confidence in conversations about wine, turning a casual hobby into a deeper, more informed passion.

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THE CLIMATE CONVERSATION MOVES TO THE VINEYARD

As climate change dominates global discussions at COP29 in Azerbaijan and the G-20 summit in Brazil, winemakers and researchers in Mendoza, Argentina, gathered for the International Terroir Congress to address its profound impact on viticulture. Mendoza, famed for its high-altitude vineyards and Malbec grapes, exemplifies how shifting climates challenge wine production, from drought and frost to erratic weather patterns. Experts emphasized the critical role of terroir—encompassing soil, climate, and geography—in shaping wine quality. With water scarcity growing and temperature shifts pushing grape varieties beyond their limits, winemakers are exploring innovative strategies and global collaborations to adapt.

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THE SCIENCE OF PETROL AROMAS IN WINE

The petrol-like aroma in aged Riesling, caused by the compound TDN, sparks debate among wine lovers and winemakers about its desirability. Unique to Riesling, TDN levels increase with factors like sunlight exposure, water stress, and high temperatures, raising concerns as climate change intensifies. Vineyard practices, such as shading grapes or timing defoliation, play a key role in managing TDN levels, while choices like screw-cap closures can amplify its concentration over time. Though polarizing, TDN is often embraced in older Rieslings, as it marks a transition from the youthful fruity notes to the complex, aged characteristics many enthusiasts value.

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THE OLDEST WINE IN EUROPE HAS BEEN DISCOVERED IN GREECE

Researchers from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki discovered Europe’s oldest wine remnants in ancient Philippi, northern Greece, dating back to 4300 B.C. Thousands of grape seeds and pomace, preserved by a prehistoric fire, provide evidence that winemaking in Europe originated in prehistoric Greece. Decades of archaeobotanical research used advanced techniques like flotation to uncover plant-based artifacts, shedding light on ancient agricultural practices and social activities. This groundbreaking find adds to Greece’s rich archaeological legacy, including discoveries of prehistoric settlements and Europe’s oldest flutes, revealing the deep cultural and economic roots of the region.

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NATURAL WINE CHOSEN FOR NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL’S REOPENING

After five years of meticulous restoration costing €700m, Notre-Dame Cathedral will reopen on December 8, 2024, following the devastating fire in 2019. For the ceremony, a natural white wine from Régis and Anne-Reine Anouil’s small vineyard in the Loire Valley has been chosen as the sacramental wine. Known for their eco-friendly and minimal-intervention winemaking, the Anouils see this as a meaningful contribution to the cathedral’s rebirth.

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WINE REGION OF THE WEEK: LIGURIA, ITALY

Liguria, the Italian Riviera, is a picturesque yet challenging wine region with steep, rocky vineyards producing limited but unique wines. With only 6,000 hectares of vineyards, Liguria has Italy's second-lowest wine output, primarily artisanal and focused on whites with notable minerality. Its rugged terrain and small-scale production make Ligurian wines rare finds beyond its borders.

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GRAPE OF THE WEEK: VERMENTINO

Vermentino, a white grape known for its refreshing acidity and aromas of peach, lemon, and saline minerality, thrives across the western Mediterranean. Prominent in Liguria, Tuscany, Sardinia, Corsica, and Provence, it produces wines ranging from crisp and mineral-driven to rich and complex. Despite its historical roots and versatility, Vermentino remains a niche choice globally, though it’s gaining attention as an elegant alternative to more common varieties like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

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