As I noted in my last post (LINK), I spent three pretty amazing days at this Wine Summit (LINK) in Cascais/Estoríl, Portugal. The summit covered a number of topics over its three-day length – but climate change was perhaps the most repeated and most critical. I will dedicate this post to Senõr Torres’ presentation alone. Most future posts will cover more than one presentation.
None other than Miguel A. Torres, President and Managing Director of Bodegas Torres, and is a member of the fourth generation of this family business. His topic was “Climate Crisis and Its Consequences for the European Viniculture.” As a global wine company, Bodegas Torres is faced with many challenges, including growing grapes and making wine in a number of different locations with different climate patterns, business practices, and political environments. Senior Torres noted that, in his mind, climate change is the most important issue and his company is dedicating 11% of profits for programs researching and mitigating climate change.
“We have not sold one more bottle due to steps we have taken (regarding climate change).”
~ Miguel A. Torres
This statement speaks volumes – much of the work required to mitigate the effects of climate change does not increase sales, but, in the long term, it may well preserve them. Senõr Torres showed a series of slides on what climate change is and on what Bodega Torres is doing to mitigate its effects.
Here are a few of the things they are doing:
Minimizing chemical and pesticide use (reducing below organicó requirements):
Reintroducing ancestral Catalan varieties which are more resistant to heat:
Examining introduction of distinctly foreign varieties into growing areas:
Reduction in energy consumption – electric vehicles, solar panels, etc.:
Studying bottling and packaging materials to reduce weight and waste:
Studying Carbon Capture and Reuse (CSR) in the fermentation process:
Participate in the EU carbon emissions reduction program (Greta Thunberg):
Active Participation & Leadership in International Wineries for Climate Action Group:
Senõr Torres is clearly passionate about being proactive about climate change and is taking a global perspective fitting for a global company. Torres Wines are made in Spain, Italy, Chile, and the United States (California). He noted that the approach to climate change is different in each location, as are the political issues relating to climate change. And he had some advice for property owners:
“For those of you who live near the sea, it is time to sell. Don’t wait!”
~ Miguel A. Torres
During the Q&A session, I had the opportunity to ask a question, and I opened with this comment:
“I go to a lot of conferences and events, and you’re the first person of your stature in this, or any industry to take such a strong stance on climate change.”
~ Me to Miguel A. Torres at MUST-Fermenting Ideas
The wine industry, especially its vineyards, are like the canaries in the coal mine for the effects of climate change. Those who are not investing in taking actions like Bodega Torres may increasingly find themselves with damaged products, and eventually with none.
As always, your comments are welcomed!
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Copyright 2019 – Jim Lockard
Jim Lockard On Wine 
This post highlights the many specific aspects of winemaking that are affected by climate change. Some of them involve the very identity of a company. It must be a very complicated calculus for a winery to decide whether to stay where they are geographically and experiment with new grapes and wines appropriate for the changing climate or to identify new geographic locations that fit their existing grape and wine profile. A winery with a brand that is closely identified with a particular region, grape and wine (e.g. Rioja) could have to swallow hard (and drink a lot of wine) in making that decision. Ultimately it involves who they are and who they want to be.
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Yes, and I was surprised to see the degree of dedication and passion with which Seniõr Torres approaches the topic. He is clearly seeing this as a global crisis.
Jim
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I have met Miguel and José Maria Torres some years ago and was very impressed with their high level of commitment with producing quality wines. At those days Miguel was brave introducing foreign varieties on their viniards. They wone the challenge and those varieties were allowed on DOC apelation. Today They have new challenges. I believe Miguel will wone again this War against climate changes.
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