Plant genetic resources are increasingly viewed as a key tool to address the multiple challenges faced by modern viticulture. In this context, local grape cultivars are proposed as a strategy to enhance resilience to climate change and to diversify wine styles. However, while genetic identification has been widely reported, field-based phenotyping information for local cultivars under current climate conditions remains limited. In this context, phenotyping results are presented for six local Andalusian cultivars (Castellano, Beba, Cañocazo, Mantúo de Pilas, Perruno and Vigiriega). All cultivars were grown in a vineyard plot in the Marco de Jerez and evaluated over three consecutive seasons (2023–2025). Morphology was assessed using 46 descriptors, allowing cultivars to be grouped into two main clusters. Phenological monitoring showed a measurable year effect while preserving a consistent relative ranking among cultivars, most clearly during veraison and ripening, with Castellano reaching these stages earlier and Mantúo de Pilas later. Grape must composition highlighted contrasting ripening dynamics, with Palomino Fino and Castellano generally reaching higher sugar levels, whereas Vigiriega and Mantúo de Pilas showed the most acidic profiles. These results provide growers with performance-based comparative information to support cultivar selection for new plantings and to explore the potential of local cultivars for developing new wine styles under warm climate conditions.
Pérez-González et al. (Thu,) studied this question.