It’s Not Easy Being Green
The recent Climate Change and Wine conference in Barcelona helped to shine a light on the effects of global warming on the world wine map. For example, traditional wine-growing regions like Bordeaux may soon be too warm to grow Cabernet Sauvignon, the mainstay of the Medoc. However, in what may turn out to be another case of French winegrowers with rose-colored glasses, many feel this warming trend presents an opportunity. According to Bruno Prats, former owner of Cos d’Estournel a 2nd growth chateau, the last 10 vintages have been the best ever. One of the advantages of warmer weather is higher sugar levels in the grapes and thus no need to chaptalize (add sugar to) the wine. However, this assumes that climate conditions will stay the same. Hopefully, the French don’t mind producing California wine in Bordeaux.
Click here for more information on the effects of global warming on the wine industry.
