EGU26-3758, updated on 13 Mar 2026
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-3758
EGU General Assembly 2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Poster | Monday, 04 May, 10:45–12:30 (CEST), Display time Monday, 04 May, 08:30–12:30
 
Hall X5, X5.152
Agroclimatic characterization and climate change trends in Spanish wine-growing regions
Luis L. Paniagua Simón1, Abelardo García Martín1, Sebastián Barrena Gil1, Dolores García García2, F. Javier Rebollo Castillo3, and Francisco J. Moral García4
Luis L. Paniagua Simón et al.
  • 1University of Extremadura, Escuela de Ingenierías Agrarias, Dpto Ingeniería del Medio Agronómico y Forestal, Badajoz, Spain.
  • 2Departamento Múltiple del I.E.S.O San Ginés, Consejería de Educación y Empleo, Junta de Extremadura, 06110 Villanueva del Fresno.
  • 3Dpto Expresión Gráfica. Escuela de Ingenierías Agrarias, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suárez, s/n. 06007 Badajoz.
  • 4Dpto Expresión Gráfica. Escuela de Ingenierías Industriales, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Elvas, s/n. 06006 Badajoz.

This study provides an agroclimatic characterization of viticulture in the main wine-producing regions of Spain, with the aim of analysing the climatic controls on grapevine development and assessing recent climate-driven trends. Ten representative Protected Designations of Origin (PDOs), covering most of the national vineyard area and encompassing a wide range of geographical and climatic conditions, were selected. Daily meteorological data (maximum, minimum and mean temperatures, and accumulated precipitation) from official sources were analysed for the period 1981–2022.

Key bioclimatic indices commonly used in viticulture were computed, including the Huglin Index (HI), Dryness Index (DI), and Cool Night Index (CI). Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant differences among regions, evaluate temporal trends, and classify the study areas using the Multicriteria Climatic Classification (MMC) system.

The results reveal a generalized increase in the HI across all PODs, indicating a consistent warming trend and a progressive shift in grapevine phenology. The DI emerged as the main limiting factor in several regions, particularly in Ribera del Guadiana and La Mancha, where irrigation is becoming increasingly necessary to sustain productivity. Analysis of the CI shows that cooler regions, such as Ribera del Duero and Rueda, still offer favourable conditions for preserving wine acidity and aromatic complexity, whereas warmer areas, including Valencia, exhibit reduced nocturnal cooling and a potential loss of freshness. The observed warming trends imply significant shifts in grapevine phenology, potentially affecting harvest timing, grape composition and wine quality.

Overall, the study highlights how climate variability and ongoing climate change are reshaping viticultural suitability in Spain, emphasizing the need for adaptive management strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of wine production under future climate conditions.

How to cite: Paniagua Simón, L. L., García Martín, A., Barrena Gil, S., García García, D., Rebollo Castillo, F. J., and Moral García, F. J.: Agroclimatic characterization and climate change trends in Spanish wine-growing regions, EGU General Assembly 2026, Vienna, Austria, 3–8 May 2026, EGU26-3758, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu26-3758, 2026.