Moroccan Winemakers Battle Climate Change to Save Vineyards

The Domaine de la Zouina, led by Christophe Gribelin and advised by Vincent Hudon, is an example of this struggle, with its innovations in viticulture on the slopes of the Atlas. But the battle is arduous, as climatic conditions have evolved to the point of reinforcing extreme phenomena such as hail, previously more clement, reports the specialized site vitisphere.com.

Drip irrigation is a widespread practice in Moroccan vineyards, an indispensable legacy in the face of the harshness of the climate. But that’s not all. To counter the devastating effects of the chergui, Gribelin has erected protective hedges around his vines. But these green ramparts are themselves struggling to survive, their water needs rivaling those of the vines they are supposed to protect.

The plant covers, another adopted strategy, present both promises and challenges. By sowing barley and fava beans between the rows, Gribelin seeks to protect the soil, although this technique has sometimes had unexpected consequences, such as the reflection of sunlight, detrimental to the bunches. Faced with an uncertain future, the idea of replanting at higher altitudes is gaining ground, with a preference for varieties that are more resistant to drought, such as syrah, carignan and, surprisingly, chardonnay.

Further south, the picture is even darker. Charles Mélia, founder of the Domaine du Val d’Argan, endures increasingly extreme conditions, with a dramatically fallen rainfall and temperatures reaching peaks. Innovative, he cultivates his vines close to the ground and experiments with plant associations to provide shade to the grapes. Despite these efforts, the drought is raging, drying up the wells and drastically reducing his harvest, pushing him to diversify his activity towards wine tourism.

However, in this almost apocalyptic atmosphere, human ingenuity shines. Mamoun Belcaid, an operator in Nzalat Laadam, has deployed shade nets on his vines, an initiative that not only protects the plants, but also reduces their water consumption. Despite temperatures around 50°C, his harvest has not faltered. But beyond these individual victories, the chergui remains a formidable adversary, dramatically reducing yields and reminding winegrowers of their almost daily struggle.