New Grapes for Bordeaux Wines?

It can't be denied that many wine producers have been affected by climate change. The annual weather conditions they could once rely on for a good harvest have been thrown out the window. Flooding, drought and frost have been the downfall of many a wine producer in recent times. Bordeaux are ahead of the curve though with researchers growing 52 grape varieties which are currently largely unknown to the region. These varieties can produce Bordeaux-style wines if climate change alters Bordeaux's growing conditions. Researchers scoured warmer wine regions like Greece, Spain, Italy and Portugal, selecting 52 candidates and planting them in 2009 in an experimental vineyard in the Pessac-Lèognan appellation. Many of the foreign grapes will sound familiar - Sangiovese, Touriga Nacional, Xinomavro and Assyrtiko, to name a few - stars in their home terroir, but strangers to Bordeaux.