A new clone of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon 140+ year-old could re-start the genetics of the wine industry

Cabernet Sauvignon, the undisputed king of red wine grapes, currently stands at an existential crossroads. As climate change intensifies, the variety faces mounting threats from disease and pestilence, jeopardising its global legacy. Amidst this uncertainty, Chile is emerging as an unsung hero, leveraging its one-of-a-kind viticultural heritage to pioneer a solution to safeguard the future of this iconic grape.

From Bordeaux to Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon is under siege. Pests, diseases and climate-driven challenges are shortening vineyard longevity, forcing growers to replant every 30 to 40 years. The resurgence of phylloxera and the emergence of new pests like margarodes have further exposed the vulnerabilities of traditional solutions, such as grafting onto resistant rootstocks.

The urgency is clear: without innovative interventions, the future of Cabernet Sauvignon could be compromised.

Continue reading in WineBusiness: https://www.winebusiness.com/news/article/295971