Heatwaves, hail storms, unseasonal frosts, exotic diseases and insects are threats posed by a general rise in temperatures. Should we fear a potential impact of global warming on wine? The issue was debated at the ProWein show at the beginning of the year. But, to me, it raises another question, more critical, that I would like to treat in this article.
The potential impacts of global warming
As a competent winemaker, attached to your vineyard, you no doubt fear nature’s wrath. You know how to protect your vine even if you can’t avoid all damages. But would a climate change affect only the weather?
Some touch on dwindling grape-growing areas in the South and a redesign of the grape varieties map. But those worried about global warming mainly fear repercussions on the intrinsic quality of wine.
In addition to more frequent periods of drought and erratic weather, an increase in global temperatures would have an impact on schedule. Flowering and harvest could be advanced. More intense sunlight exposure would lead to a faster increase of sugar levels in grapes. And consequently to a higher alcohol content, so to early harvest, a lower acidity, a different tannic structure, and so on.
In short, it would change the wine’s profile itself. Global warming would gradually mitigate differences between the terroirs and the richness of our wine heritage.
I understand your concern.
A more obvious and immediate issue
I have been studying the subject for a long time and wrote my first article over four years ago. The current system is constantly blaming us. Yet no valid scientific study has been able to prove global warming in a credible way. The truth is that figures related to a long-term phenomenon are rather fanciful.
My opinion is that the climate evolves in cycles. According to me, only the sun has enough power to affect us by its variations of activity.
However, I can’t say that human beings have no negative impact on their environment. A quick glance at our beaches and countryside gives the best evidence. They are too often littered with rubbish. The kids and I are used to picking them up when we go walking. What about you?
There is an obvious and undisputable pollution caused by the overconsumption of packaging. To me, plastic ban is much more useful to the ecology of our planet than these questions about global temperatures.
Since words are useless if they are not followed by action, I have been working for two years on a packaging adapted to premium wines, 100% recyclable, with amazing properties:
1 container of these ecological neo-packaging equals 32 conventional containers of bottles!
As protecting your wine also means preserving nature, you’d probably like to know more? Stay with me. I’ll give you more details soon on this blog. Welcome to a new era for wine and talented winemakers!
Galatée