Exploring High-Altitude Winemaking in the Himalayas and Beyond
The Himalayas’ jagged, snow-capped peaks have long been a source of inspiration for adventurers and artists. But now, these majestic mountains are also making waves in the world of winemaking. As climate change continues to disrupt growing seasons in traditional wine regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux, vintners are looking to new and extreme locations to create innovative and high-quality wines.
One such region is the Shangri-La region of Southwest China, home to Ao Yun, Moët Hennessy’s Himalayan wine estate. Situated at a breathtaking 22,000 feet above sea level, Ao Yun is challenging traditional industry norms by growing Bordeaux varieties in one of the world’s highest vineyards. Despite the sharp precipices and small plots, the vineyard is producing acclaimed wines that rival those from long-established regions.
The concept of elevation as a solar panel, allowing grapes to receive optimal sun exposure and drainage, is key to producing exceptional wines. Aligning grape variety with elevation and climate can result in wines with the ideal ratio of tannins and acidity, creating a unique taste profile that reflects the terroir of the region.
In Argentina, vineyards in the high-altitude Salta subregion, like Colomé Estate, are also taking advantage of elevation to produce distinctive wines. With water flowing from ancient Inca irrigation canals and unique weather patterns, these vineyards are able to create wines that are built for longevity and showcase intense acidity and tannin structure.
The high-flying varieties that thrive in these extreme locations include thick-skinned red grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Merlot. These grapes yield wines with a higher concentration of tannins, anthocyanin, and polyphenols, resulting in complex flavors and aromatics. Additionally, the temperature swings in these mountainous regions slow the ripening process, allowing grapes to retain vibrant acidity and produce wines that are built to age gracefully.
As vintners continue to explore new peaks and push the boundaries of winemaking, these mountain vines are proving that elevation can truly elevate the world of wine. So next time you raise a glass of high-altitude wine, remember the journey it took to reach such lofty heights. Cheers to the pioneers who are bringing a taste of the Himalayas to wine lovers around the world!
