Climate change impacts on wine lovers

Tuesday, 4 November 2003 10:32 PM

Rising temperatures in some of the world's top wine regions over the past 50 years have improved vintages, according to research from the United States.

However, with continued temperature rises predicted, the long-term consequences of climate change may leave some viticulturalists blighted with over ripened fruit, more voracious pests and water shortages.

Gregory Jones from Southern Oregon University and colleagues analysed records of Sotheby's 100 point vintage scale data (where wines scoring over 90 are 'excellent to superb' and under 40 are 'disastrous'). They also studied climate records dating back to 1950 in the world's top 27 wine regions. The team calculated an average temperature rise of 2 degrees Centigrade in this period, corresponding to an increase in vintage ratings.

Looking to the future, the team then applied a climate model previously used for predicting agricultural conditions. They anticipate the same wine growing regions can expect another 2 degree C rise in the next 50 years. But Dr Jones explains this will not necessarily result in even finer vintages.

He says that already warm wine growing regions could experience problems of overripe fruit, added water stress, and increases in diseases and pests. But wine growers in cooler climes such as the UK should benefit, with more consistent ripening, and less year-to-year variability.

Climate change is likely to have a significant effect on the wine industry, with viticulture spreading to higher latitudes and elevations.

In the warmer regions, there may be a shift to different grape varieties to cope with the hot weather. This will alter the cultural identity of regions, Dr Jones points out. For example an area that traditionally produces excellent Merlot may be forced to swap to another variety.

Dr Jones presented the research at the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Seattle, Washington this week.

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