It takes a lot to make that glass of white or red wine you have at the end of a long, hard day. It is important that the grapes are picked at the right time. Next, they are crushed and pressed. Then the wine goes through a fermentation process and clarification. The wine is then aged and bottled. The wine is then aged and bottled. You can then relax on your back porch with your favorite vino while you unwind from your stressful day.

Winemaking is an art form, according to some. It all begins with the state of the vineyard. The climate and other environmental factors affect the state of the vineyard.

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It is not surprising that winemakers have always had weather to deal with. Climate change is making the job more difficult, particularly in the areas most affected by it. Climate change can have an enormous impact on crops, including droughts, wildfires and temperature changes.

Wildfires, smoke, and a lack of water

Vineyards and wineries are constantly at risk from wildfires. California has experienced a lot of wildfires over the past decades, and many vineyards are now feeling the consequences. It's not only a threat to their vineyards or wineries, though that is a serious problem.

The Glass Fire, which was active in 2020 for 23 days, destroyed 30 structures at Northern California wineries and destroyed many others. This was only one of the 9,900 wildfires that occurred in California during year.

It is also evident that wildfires can have lingering effects on grapes. The taste and aroma of wine can be affected by smoke, which can sometimes lead to complete ruin. To describe the effects of smoke on wine, winemakers invented the term "smoke-taint". While some wines may smell or taste like smoke, others might not be affected by the same smoke.

Many vineyards from California to Europe are also facing droughts. In the last year, vineyards in France and Tuscany have all been affected by droughts. Wine grapes are only able to withstand drought conditions.

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Some winemakers may choose to harvest their grapes earlier than usual, which can have a negative impact on the wine's flavor. High acidity can cause wine to be too tart if it is picked too soon.

Harvesting grapes for wine requires a delicate balance. All aspects of grape harvesting must be harmonious, including the pH, sugar and acidity. The vines require the right amount of nutrients, water, and sunlight to thrive.

Rising temperatures

Grapevines should be grown at temperatures between 77 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. In some areas, like Oregon's Willamette Valley, temperatures have reached over 117°F in heatwaves. Pinot Noir is a wine made in this typically cool area. Although the heatwave could have caused severe damage, it did not last long enough.

Wine grapes can be damaged by excessive heat. The grape might ripen too quickly if the temperature is too high too early in the growing season. It could lead to a wine that is highly alcoholic and flavorless. The grapes could become unsuitable to be made into wine if they are exposed to too much heat.

Winemakers Are Fighting Back

The job of winemakers is not easy. Certain vineyards are choosing to grow grape varieties that are more climate-friendly than usual to adapt to changing conditions. These growers choose varieties that can withstand heat better. Winemakers may find it easier to make the transition from Pinot Noir and Riesling to Malbec or Zinfandel as temperatures rise.

Other options, at least for the short-term, include wastewater recycling, dry agriculture, and controlled irrigation. It is crucial to find creative ways to ensure that crops thrive as water restrictions continue to be in place and worsen droughts. Water recycling uses water treated with a chemical that doesn't alter the quality or taste of grapes.

Dry farming is an environmentally friendly method that doesn't require irrigation. To get through the growing season, it relies on rainwater as well as soil's remaining moisture. It is not suitable for all vineyards, however, because it depends on the soil type and how much rainfall occurs during the rainy seasons.

In areas of high water stress, controlled irrigation may be possible. Drip irrigation is the most costly but also the easiest to control. This type of irrigation reduces evaporation and runoff and delivers water directly to the roots.

These systems and techniques can only help winemakers to keep their vineyards healthy for many years. We are happy to see that winemakers are looking at alternative ways to preserve the delicious quality of their wines in the ongoing battle against climate change.

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By: Dana Hopkins
Title: Your Favorite Wines May Taste Different Soon Thanks To Climate Change
Sourced From: www.suggest.com/climate-change-effect-on-wine/2674063/
Published Date: Mon, 19 Sep 2022 21:35:00 +0000

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