INNOVAVINO Operational Group: Feasibility of over-ripening techniques for the production of new wines in the province of Cádiz

Substantial technological advancement, an improvement in traditional processes, working conditions, and an enhancement of the added value of the products or services offered. Currently, the lack of knowledge about the viability of over-ripening techniques in the province of Cádiz makes this project an opportunity to generate new knowledge that will allow over-ripening Pedro Ximénez grapes to be produced in order to create new sweet wines made with raw materials produced in the DO itself, generating added value for their products with the resulting economic impact. This could encourage winegrowers to convert part of their Palomino Fino vineyards to the Pedro Ximénez variety, enabling the sustainability of the DO's vineyard area.

Innovation will be produced in the production of new wines in cooperatives, using:

• Grapes with a variable degree of overripeness using the sunning technique.
• New forms of winemaking for both dry and sweet wine production (VDN and VND) in which the skins are used during fermentation.
• New methods of abatement for the production of sweet natural wines, maximizing alcohol production during fermentation and minimizing the addition of exogenous alcohol, the dosage of which will be balanced according to the final sugar concentration of the wine, abattered on the frame.
• The production of naturally sweet wines without the addition of alcohol or any additives in the production line of natural wines, highly in demand in the national and international markets.

Feasibility of the innovation, proposed from a technical, economic, and environmental perspective. This project will also study the feasibility of using over-ripening techniques to produce Palomino Fino wines without the need for fortification, which would generate added value for these wines, which are currently fortified with wine alcohol from outside the region. In recent years, a wave of young winemakers has emerged who are investing in this type of production. Generating knowledge that can meet the needs of the wine industry can help drive the creation of new businesses that provide a source of income for young people in this region.

Furthermore, producing new wines with native varieties will allow for the establishment of new marketing strategies that will lead to maintaining the vineyard area in the province of Cádiz, positively impacting environmental, social, and economic factors. This will strengthen the environmental role and sustainability among wine producers. Therefore, diversifying the production of wines in this southern European region could be an alternative to boost the market, maintain vineyard areas, and generate employment in rural municipalities in the province of Cádiz. Promoting the cultivation of the Pedro Ximénez variety could increase the varietal biodiversity of vineyards in the province of Cádiz.