{"id":9539,"date":"2025-01-24T14:47:09","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T13:47:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/2025\/01\/24\/research-in-the-beaujolais-region-towards-the-viticulture-of-tomorrow\/"},"modified":"2025-01-24T15:19:41","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T14:19:41","slug":"research-in-the-beaujolais-region-towards-the-viticulture-of-tomorrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/2025\/01\/24\/research-in-the-beaujolais-region-towards-the-viticulture-of-tomorrow\/","title":{"rendered":"Research in the Beaujolais region: towards the viticulture of tomorrow"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the Beaujolais region, the passion for wine research is nothing new. Inspired by the engineer and businessman Victor Vermorel at the end of the 19th century, it still strives to improve both wine quality and agronomic practices. Full of challenges, the viticulture of tomorrow is being invented today thanks to the work of Beaujolais researchers. Here is an overview of the jobs and research projects underway in the vineyard.<\/p>\n\n

The Beaujolais region, historically at the forefront of vine and wine research<\/h2>\n\n
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\"Victor
Victor Vermorel – Senat.fr archives <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Where does this Beaujolais passion for wine research come from?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If Beaujolais viticulture research had a face, it would be that of Victor Vermorel. Born on the banks of the Sa\u00f4ne river, the researcher contributed to the advancement of knowledge in viticulture throughout his life. A visionary, the man who advocated \u2018progress through experience\u2019 made the Beaujolais region a leading centre in wine research.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Victor Vermorel impressed late 19th-century winemakers with his many inventions. Notably, he and Pierre Viala wrote the historic book \u201cL\u2019Amp\u00e9lographie. Trait\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral de viticulture<\/em>\u201d. Published in 1900, this book documents and illustrates the 5200 grape varietals found around the world and is still a reference today.<\/p>\n\n

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\"L’Ampélographie.
L\u2019Amp\u00e9lographie. Trait\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral de viticulture<\/em>, Victor Vermorel and Pierre Viala, 1900<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Petit
Illustration of gamay grapes,\u00a0L\u2019Amp\u00e9lographie. Trait\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral de viticulture<\/em>, Victor Vermorel and Pierre Viala, 1900<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"Chardonnay,
Illustration of chardonnay grapes,\u00a0L\u2019Amp\u00e9lographie. Trait\u00e9 g\u00e9n\u00e9ral de viticulture, Victor Vermorel and Pierre Viala, 1900<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Between 1888 and 1897, Victor Vermorel imagined the vine and wine research centres that we have today in the Beaujolais region. He created the very first Station Viticole at 210 Boulevard Vermorel in Villefranche-sur-Sa\u00f4ne. This location \u2013 where researchers still work today \u2013 was initially composed of laboratories, an impressive library, as well as a mini vat room\u2026 The entrepreneur also made Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair, in Liergues, into an experimental wine estate. At the time, these locations aroused everybody\u2019s curiosity and researchers from around the world came to visit them.<\/p>\n\n

Interconnected research centres in the Beaujolais region<\/h3>\n\n

As you can see, Victor Vermorel\u2019s legacy shaped today\u2019s research into Beaujolais viticulture. It is the many interconnected organisations that work hand in hand that make it so unique. Inter Beaujolais<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0\u2013 the organisation responsible for developing the wine sector \u2013 includes research and experimentation among its missions. These missions are carried out by the\u00a0SICAREX Beaujolais\u00a0<\/strong>(Soci\u00e9t\u00e9 d\u2019Int\u00e9r\u00eat Collectif Agricole de Recherches et d\u2019EXp\u00e9rimentations<\/em> or Agricultural Research and Experimentation Collective Interest Company) thanks to a 20-hectare experimental wine estate<\/strong><\/a>. The research centre works closely with the Bourgogne-Beaujolais-Jura-Savoie division of the\u00a0French Wine and Vine Institute<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(IFV). With 18 units in France\u2019s wine-growing regions, it has a team of 9 researchers in the Beaujolais region. These three organisations are all located at the same address, nicknamed the \u2018210 en Beaujolais<\/em>\u2019 in Villefranche-sur-Sa\u00f4ne. \n \nThe SICAREX Beaujolais and IFV carry out many of their vine and wine experiments at\u00a0Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair<\/strong><\/a>. The estate, once occupied by Victor Vermorel, is now called the \u2018Beaujolais region\u2019s open-air laboratory\u2019. Although they are based in the Rh\u00f4ne department, the SICAREX Beaujolais and IFV teams work on local, national and international projects. Their research is not limited to regional issues. It often concerns the French vineyard as a whole.<\/p>\n\n

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Harvest in the experimental plots at the SICAREX Beaujolais \u00a9 Studio Baalt 2021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair and its vat room, the SICAREX Beaujolais\u2019 experimental estate \u00a9 Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

In the field, the Rh\u00f4ne Chamber of Agriculture<\/strong> is responsible for sharing the results of the research with the Beaujolais region\u2019s winemakers, estates and wineries. This is achieved through training, organising technical meetings or even hosting winemaker associations (Vigneron\u00b7ne\u00b7s du Vivant en Beaujolais<\/a>\u00a0for example).<\/p>\n\n

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Returnable bottles, example of a cross-disciplinary research topic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the Beaujolais region, research often brings together the SICAREX Beaujolais, the IFV, lnter Beaujolais and Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair. This is the case for example for an experiment in bottle recycling<\/strong> that began in 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Did you know? Research carried out by the IFV shows that packaging represents 40 to 50% of the industry\u2019s global carbon footprint. To reduce this major impact, we must either opt for lighter bottles or adopt a\u00a0deposit-return scheme<\/a>. \n \nIn order to provide data and feedback, research is being carried out in the Beaujolais region at all levels. The SICAREX Beaujolais\u2019 Sensory Unit is studying the image of the deposit-return scheme among stakeholders in the industry. At the same time, Inter Beaujolais has set up an observatory to monitor wine quality and bottle weight. And finally, Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair is selling a test batch of Beaujolais Nouveaux in returnable bottles. The first results and feedback are available in a\u00a0White Paper<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0published at the end of the year.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Bottling in the Beaujolais region \u2013 F.Ferrer 2020<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Current research in the Beaujolais region: projects and innovations<\/h2>\n\n

Carbon footprint, adapting to global warming, resistant grape varietals, consumer expectations\u2026 the major research topics in the Beaujolais region<\/h3>\n\n
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The most important challenge facing winegrowers this century is adapting to the new circumstances dictated by global warming. As such, the main aim of research in the Beaujolais region is to provide guidance to those involved in the industry in this context. This includes measuring carbon footprints, agronomic experimentations, exploring plant material and studying consumer tastes\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n \u00ab Notre m\u00e9tier est de r\u00e9pondre aux questions que se posent les professionnels. Elles sont le reflet des attentes soci\u00e9tales et des besoins du secteur \u00bb.
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Bertrand Chatelet, Director of the SICAREX Beaujolais and the Beaujolais-Bourgogne-Jura-Savoie division of the IFV, \u00a9 Jonas Jacquel<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Measuring the carbon footprint of viticulture<\/span><\/strong><\/h4><\/h4>\n\n

Based in the Beaujolais region, the IFV\u2019s Environmental Assessment Unit is studying the industry\u2019s impact with the aim of finding ways of mitigating it. This unit measures\u00a0the carbon footprint<\/a> of wine estates and compares data relating to each stage of a wine\u2019s life cycle. It constantly monitors and studies different practices in order to provide guidance to professionals seeking to reduce their company’s carbon footprint.<\/p>\n\n

Adapting vineyard practices in response to global warming<\/span><\/h2><\/h4>\n\n

Adapting to climate change is another area of research for the IFV Beaujolais-Savoie\u2019s Technical Unit. Agronomic experiments are being carried out with the aim of maintaining yields and wine quality despite climate change. The purpose of this research is to provide gradual solutions and short-term measures (shade nets, foliage modifications\u2026), while keeping an eye out for longer-term solutions (resistant grape varietals in particular).<\/p>\n\n

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Presentation of experimental results during the annual SICAREX-IFV \u2018Open plot day\u2019 at Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair \u00a9 Inter Beaujolais 2022<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Vinification trials using resistant grape varietals carried out by the SICAREX-IFV at Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair \u00a9 Studio Baalt 2021<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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Preserving the iconic Beaujolais grape varietal<\/span><\/h2><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Researchers at the SICAREX Beaujolais still carry out one of its historic missions: selecting and preserving the genetic diversity of the gamay grape. They maintain an impressive collection of over 1000 different gamay grapes (from Italy, Switzerland, south-west France\u2026). This effort to preserve plant life goes even further with the \u201cQanopee<\/a>\u201d project. Led by winegrowers from the Beaujolais region, Champagne and Burgundy, the project aims to pre-multiply healthy vine stocks in a 4500m\u00b2 bioclimatic greenhouse. And the objective? Safeguarding the vineyards’ plant heritage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\"Gamay
Gamay bunch \u2013 E.Ramousse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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> Also read: \u201cThe viticulture of tomorrow according to Beaujolais researchers<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n

Creating grape varietals capable of rising to this century\u2019s challenges<\/span><\/h2><\/h4>\n\n

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\"Young
Young vines \u2013 SICAREX Beaujolais \u2013 Jonas Jacquel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Varietal creation is a central theme for the SICAREX Beaujolais according to its Director, Bertrand Chatelet<\/strong>. As early as the 70s, the research centre joined an unprecedented programme set up by the INRAE\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>and became a reference in the field. Varietal selection is a lengthy process, involving the observation and comparison of the 180 grape varietals planted on a plot at Ch\u00e2teau de l\u2019Eclair. Notably, the SICAREX Beaujolais created the gaminot<\/strong><\/a>, a cross between gamay and pinot noir. The teams are currently focusing their research on varieties that are resistant to both fungal diseases and drought<\/strong>. Some of these resistant grape varietals have already been planted in the Beaujolais region. The\u00a0gamaret\u00a0<\/strong><\/a>and the\u00a0voltis<\/strong><\/a> – to name just a couple – could also be included in the specifications for appellations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

Identifying future consumer expectations<\/span><\/h2><\/h4>\n\n

To generate knowledge for science and the industry as a whole, a sensory analysis<\/strong> unit was set up in 2023. Its team of engineers is leading research projects that extend far beyond the Beaujolais vineyard, and even the French vineyard as a whole. They put the consumers\u2019 sensory judgment at the heart of their research, via focus groups and tastings. One of the key projects set up in 2020 focuses on the perception of wines with no added sulphites. The results of this study, conducted with a panel of consumers and professionals, will be published at the end of 2024.<\/p>\n\n

Focus on GES&Vit, the first tool to measure the wine industry’s carbon footprint, created in the Beaujolais region<\/h3>\n\n

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\"Ges&Vit<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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The Environmental Assessment Unit pulled out all the stops to respond to the pressing need to measure the carbon footprint of winegrowers and makers. It was the first to offer a tool capable of doing so as early as 2021. Given the name GES&Vit<\/a>, its purpose is to support the wine industry in its low-carbon transition.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=4tC7EBdyi-k<\/div>\r\n
Ges&Vit, the carbon footprint measuring tool made in Beaujolais \u2013 Video IFV & MarnieProduction<\/em>\r\n\r\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n
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GES&Vit<\/a>\u00a0is used to assess current practices and simulate different methods of vine management. It also provides the necessary tools to take action thanks to an action plan designed to reduce the carbon footprint of wine estates. The tool is available to wine advisers and technicians, provided they have taken a training course to learn how to use it. Many professionals in France have already started using it.<\/p>\n\n

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While Victor Vermorel laid the foundations for wine research in the Beaujolais region, the wine industry has successfully shaped itself so that it could bear fruit. The teams at Inter Beaujolais, the SICAREX Beaujolais, the IFV and the Rh\u00f4ne Chamber of Agriculture work hand in hand to ensure that it continues to flourish. Firmly rooted in their time, their research is a mine of information for building the vineyards of tomorrow. <\/p>\n\n

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Curious to know what wine experts think? Check out the article \u201cThe viticulture of tomorrow according to Beaujolais researchers<\/a>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Research into the viticulture of tomorrow is progressing in Beaujolais. Here’s an overview with the players involved in these experiments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1803,"featured_media":8750,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[227,195,120,228],"thematique":[92],"class_list":["post-9539","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-chardonnay-en","tag-gamay-en","tag-pur-terroir-en","tag-research","thematique-pur-terroir-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9539","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1803"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9539"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9539\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9540,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9539\/revisions\/9540"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8750"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9539"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9539"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9539"},{"taxonomy":"thematique","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.beaujolais.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thematique?post=9539"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}