Recovery and valorisation of ancient varieties grown in high-altitude vineyards of the Spanish Pyrenees

Abstract

[Abstract:] This project aims to recover ancient grapevine varieties in the Biescas area (Huesca, Spanish Pyrenees), after studying its molecular profile and agricultural and oenological potentials. The molecular analysis will be performed with eight microsatellites markers with high discriminant power and the profiles will be checked in national and international databases to determine the varietal identity. The oenological aptitude of these varieties will be evaluated with micro and standard vinifications carried out in Bal Minuta Cellar. To expand the commercial vineyard, a new plantation is planned in a currently abandoned field located near the recovered village of Barbenuta. Due to the mountainous climatic conditions, the high slope gradient of the field and the characteristics of the drainage area, the processes of water soil erosion and hydrological connectivity (HC) will be studied by means of field assessments and numerical modelling. The aggregated index of HC (AIC) will be run before and after plantation establishment. In this landscape, the abandoned and recovered fields are intermingled with patches of forestry areas where high walls and stone walls are frequent and influence on the runoff pathways. This initiative aims to recover abandoned fields, to identify ancient varieties and to valorise the potential of these varieties cultivated in vineyards located around 1200 m a.s.l. The achievement of these goals will allow a better transfer to the sector of the wines coming out of high altitude and will be of interest for the sustainability of the local economy. The project “Recovery and valorisation of old mountain vine varieties (Tierra de Biescas - Huesca)” has the support of (i) the Government of Aragon (Spain) through aid for cooperation actions of agents of the agricultural sector (Rural Development Program 2014-2020), and (ii) the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD - FEADER). Preliminary results will be presented during the Congress.