103: Environmental, Social, & Governance Initiative in Spain's Priorat Region

The small Priorat region in Spain has a fascinating history dating back to the Moors in the 8th century, to the birth of its wine production for a local monastery in the 1100s to the near complete devastation of its vineyards by phylloxera in the late 19th century. Replanting began in earnest in the 1950s and top reviews by Robert Parker in the 2000 helped solidify this area as a top wine region in Spain.

Local Perinet Winemaker Antoni Sanchez-Ortiz notes how years of abandonment has lead nature reestablish its place among the vines, hazelnut, olives, and forest. To maintain this balance of nature and winemaking, the winery has established an ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) initiative. The lack of electricity means that current production relies on generators. Perinet's Environmental project is to convert the property to 100 percent solar power. Socially, they provide a workplace that takes responsibility for their footprint, an organization their staff can feel proud to work for. They take Governance personally, becoming a brand that leads the way, setting an example of what the rest of the region can do.

References:

• 33: Sustainable, Lake Friendly Farming in Michigan with WaterFire Vineyards
• Grape Phylloxera UC Pest Management Guidelines
• In Search of the Best Wines from Priorat
• Perinet
• SIP Certified
• Suterra
• Vineyard Team Educational Scholarship

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