Climate change and sustainability in the wine sector

A conference entitled “Climate Change and Economic Sustainability in the Wine Sector” sponsored by the Barbera d’Asti and Wines of Monferrato Consortium and the Bank of Asti was held on Thursday, November 30, at the Bank of Asti hall. “For the Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato Consortium, this conference represents only the starting point of a long road we want to travel; the problem is there and must be addressed. The day demonstrates how the Consortium looks not only at promotion but also at protection of the area, because this issue affects and will affect the entire local economic fabric as well as society as a whole” says Vitaliano Maccario, president of Consorzio Barbera d’Asti e Vini del Monferrato.

The conference, moderated by Luca Ferrua, editor of several Gedi Group newspapers, featured an illustrious parterre of guests.

Luca Mercalli, a renowned climatologist and popularizer of science, opened the lecture by talking about the rising temperatures that are occurring on our planet, a phenomenon that is now setting historic records every year in both land and sea. Consequent to rising temperatures are the reduction of glaciers-simply consider that Alpine lakes have retreated over the past century by more than 60 percent-the occurrence of extreme weather phenomena such as large drought periods alternating with heavy flooding, loss of biodiversity, and the arrival of some alien species that disturb those already present. “Today the whole world is looking at the problem of climate change with particular attention. We need to be aware that we still have a chance to act positively to change our future and the future of the planet, but we need to push the ecological transition as far as possible so that the damage is contained, and this problem is curbed. It is possible by veering toward new technologies, stopping cementing, and making an ethical choice in everyday life.” Luca Mercalli chimes in.

Then Luigi Bavaresco, professor of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Piacenza, took the floor and addressed the issue related to the combination of agriculture and climate change. Because of the Substantial increase in temperatures and drought periods, there have been some slight variations, which are bound to become more pronounced over the years, the anticipation of the phenological stages of the vine and the Change in the organoleptic characteristics of the berry, including increased residual sugar in the grapes and decreased malic acid in the berry.

Several solutions have been proposed by scientific research on the subject, among the most important:

• Genetically, an experiment is underway to recover and exploit intravarietal variability of a grape variety to test their behavior in relation to climate change. In this regard, the Consortium recently initiated AGEBA, a study focused on the recovery and enhancement of ancient germplasm of the Barbera variety to test its behavior in relation to climate change.
• Late pruning is another tool aimed at postponing the budding stage, and avoiding damage caused by the increasingly frequent spring frosts.
• Experimenting with foliar treatments in the vineyard with hydrolysate-based biostimulants at times of highest plant heat and water stress can then help mitigate the negative effects of stress on the plant.
• Manipulating cell DNA (TEA) in vitro as needed can support in creating drought- and water-stress-resistant plants.
• Better canopy and soil management, through specific techniques such as mulching, using compost in the vineyard, and grassing the rows, can avoid intensive land use.

Finally, Professor Mario Fregoni, holder of the Chair of Viticulture at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Piacenzaand currently Honorary President and member of the Scientific Council of the OIV, spoke about the ongoing experimentation on Vitis Vinifera franca foot in relation to resistance to water and heat stresses.

nterventions by the Bank of Asti with Dr. Cristina Mobiglia head of the Business Marketing Office who spoke about climate and environmental risks from a financial perspective and Dr. Francesco Degiovanni, head of the Commercial Office of the Bank of Asti, who concluded the conference by declaring the Bank’s full support for businesses with several plafonds dedicated to damages caused by natural disasters and initiatives aimed at water saving and investments on renewable sources.