Climate change stands as one of the foremost environmental challenges, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, especially CO2, are deemed responsible for this phenomenon, significantly impacting various aspects of plant growth and development.
Sensitivity of Wine to Temperature Changes
Wine, an agricultural product, is notably sensitive to climate change, with the grapevine and its fruit (Vitis spp.) particularly affected by rising temperatures. Elevated temperatures accelerate the grape maturation process, resulting in an earlier harvest, a trend expected to worsen with continued temperature increases.
Phenological Changes in Grapevines
Rising temperatures correlate with earlier growth stages in grapevines. This phenological shift negatively affects grape composition and quality, subsequently influencing wine characteristics.
The Chemistry of Wine in a Changing Climate
Climate change alters wine quality through shifts in its chemistry. Notably, changes in sugar levels, acidity, and essential compounds impact the wine's taste and characteristics.
Sugar Levels and Alcohol Content
Higher temperatures expedite grape maturation, increasing fermentable sugars in the grapes. This leads to higher alcohol content in the resulting wine. Wines with elevated alcohol levels may lack balance and appeal to consumers seeking lower alcohol options.
Acidity and pH Levels
Heat stress increases potassium concentration in grapes, elevating pH levels and reducing total acidity. High temperatures also disrupt the balance between sugar and acidity, resulting in lower acidity for grapes grown in warmer climates. Reduced acidity affects the stability, colour, and taste of wine.
Impact on Secondary Compounds
Critical compounds like anthocyanins and tannins, responsible for colour and bitterness in wine, are influenced by high temperatures. Heat-induced degradation affects the stability and sensory attributes of these compounds, resulting in changes to the wine's typicity and aromatic character.
Mitigation Strategies
The wine sector is actively addressing climate change challenges by implementing mitigation strategies. These include seeking higher elevations, adjusting row orientation to prevent over-ripening, and exploring grape varieties better suited to warmer climates.
Shared Responsibility for Climate Action
Climate change poses unpredictable challenges for the wine industry. Regardless of size, stakeholders share a responsibility to control and reduce their carbon footprint collaboratively. This joint effort is crucial in mitigating the impact of global warming on wine.
Author: Marta Juega, PhD
References:
Alikadic A., Pertot I., Eccel E., Dolcia C., Zarbo C., Caffarra A., De Filippi R., Furlanello C. The impact of climate change on grapevine phenology and the influence of altitude: A regional study. Agric. For. Meteorol. 2019;271:73–82.
Bock A., Sparks T., Estrella N., Menzel A. Changes in the phenology and composition of wine from Franconia, Germany. Clim. Res. 2011;50:69–81.
Comments