Climate change ... do we need to talk about it again? Yes. Because from forest fires in Portugal to hailstorms and early frosts in France - the weather is becoming more extreme and winemakers notice it immediately. And so do we as wine lovers.
Text: Ingrid Larmoyeur (The Wine Institute) | Image: David Köhler via Unsplash
Winemakers worldwide are noticing the impact of climate change, but European wine regions are bearing the brunt of it. New research shows that wine producers in Europe suffer more from rising temperatures and extreme heat than colleagues on other continents.
What do winemakers notice?
Grapes ripen faster. This leads to higher alcohol levels and less fresh acidity. Harvest times shift and the weather becomes more erratic, with drought, hail or frost a risk. Producers experiment with other grape varieties more suited to the changing climate, planting in higher altitude vineyards or new techniques.
As a wine lover, what do you notice?
Wines are becoming fuller, more powerful, with more alcohol and sometimes more sultry in style. Fresh acids and subtle aromas give way more often to riper flavours. Your favourite wine can just change in style or price due to smaller harvests or extra effort in the vineyard.
In short, climate change affects the wine we drink
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