Old Vines in the Southern Hemisphere: A Review of Their Viticultural, Enological and Cultural Significance

Abstract

Old vines represent long-lived viticultural systems in which genetic resources, environmental adaptation, traditional management, territorial identity, and cultural heritage have developed over time. Old vineyards preserve historical germplasm and traditional production systems and may provide valuable material for future climate adaptation. However, their viticultural and enological value cannot be attributed directly to chronological age because vineyard history, site, genotype, vine health, rooting conditions, and management frequently interact. This review evaluates old-vine systems across the Southern Hemisphere. Scientific evidence on genetic diversity, epigenetics, physiology, water relations, vine longevity, grape and wine composition, sensory identity, heritage, and conservation was reviewed. Current evidence is insufficient to attribute greater stress resilience or superior wine quality to vine age alone. Reliable comparisons between young and old vines require accounting for vineyard heterogeneity, vine replacement, pruning history, and uncertainty in planting dates. Resolution OIV-VITI 703-2024 provides a useful framework for classification and traceability. The value of old vines value is multidimensional and emerges from the interaction between biological longevity, terroir, genetic resources, and human management. Conservation should therefore integrate heritage recognition with rigorous characterization of age-related, environmental, genetic, and management effects.