A step forward in the vineyard: the strength of sustainable wines
Producing with sustainability criteria has become an essential requirement in the most advanced societies and knowing how to communicate it to consumers is, at the same time, one of its main challenges. In this sense, the Spanish wine sector must correctly define its positioning strategy in the production process of its wineries.
When we talk about sustainable wines, we are referring to those that are part of a production system that uses natural resources to the fullest, but, in turn, ensuring the least possible damage to the exploited environment.
In this way, sustainability can be applied at three different scales: in the vineyard, in the wine itself and with the planet in general. For example, the vineyards that follow these parameters are grown organically, without herbicides or pesticides, and with native varieties that are able to adapt easily to the soil.
On the other hand, if the wineries decide to opt for the sustainability route, as is the case of Coma Romà, respect for the natural environment is assured, since the production of sustainable wines is not limited only to the grape, but also to the habitat, the ecosystem and the consumer society itself.
And, as if that were not enough, at present, sustainable wines also have to face an important challenge: their adaptation to climate change. The progressive increase of the average temperatures on the planet could cause, in a short period of time, an elongation of the active cycle of the plant, and even, a remarkable improvement of the quality of the grape in those regions with a common lack of high acidity due to lack of maturation.
How to know if a wine is sustainable?
In order for them to circulate in the market, it is mandatory that these types of wines include a label that certifies their environmental commitment and the use of sustainable practices in their production process.
It is the only way to know that a 100% sustainable product is really being acquired, guaranteeing its quality and knowing that, until reaching the last link in the chain, that of its sale, a series of specific procedures and standards have been carried out strictly regulated by the European Union.
Sustainability recognition in Spain
In 2011, after an important meeting held in Barcelona, attended by those responsible and the authorities of the best national and international wineries, the first environmental sustainability certification applicable only to the wine sector came to light.
This is the Wineries for Climate Protection (WfCP) certificate, which was promoted by the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) and is in force throughout the national territory.
One of the main concerns that are included in this agreement is the need to reduce, as much as possible, the carbon footprint generated by each bottle of wine produced. In addition, it is decided to use alternative energy sources to cover the thermal needs of the winery, the saving in the use of water, the progressive elimination of the most harmful chemical products and the enhancement of new ecological products as raw material in production of sustainable wines.
In addition, the steps that are being taken in the vineyard go hand in hand with the introduction of innovative eco-design techniques and the implementation of new lines of research and innovation not explored so far.
In short, for a winery to be recognized as environmentally sustainable, it must meet the following four evaluation criteria: reduction of greenhouse gases, use of «clean» or renewable energy, proper water management and effective waste disposal.