Now that harvest has started with Verdelho, we’re looking forward to picking our Zinfandel soon. This grape variety thrives in warm climates, making it historically well-suited to Amador’s hot summers. However, rising temperatures and extended growing seasons due to climate change can lead to overly ripe fruit, resulting in higher sugar levels and higher alcohol content, which may affect the balance of Zinfandel’s characteristic spicy flavors. The Scott Harvey Zinfandels have been more of a claret than a big jammy zin, so an early picking may be necessary.
Many wine regions worldwide are experiencing significant climate shifts affecting grape cultivation. Here are some key areas where climate change is impacting vineyards:
France (Bordeaux, Champagne, Rhone Valley)
France is producing one of the smallest vintages in a century. This would make it one of the lowest years for production since the Second World War, when the industry was recovering—the last time production was this small was 67 years ago, in 1957.
Increasing temperatures are causing grapes to ripen earlier, affecting the balance of acidity and sugar in the wines. In Bordeaux, traditional varieties like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon struggle with heat stress, leading winemakers to explore new, heat-tolerant varieties like Touriga Nacional and Marselan,
Traditionally known for its cooler climate, Champagne has been warming, leading to an increase in grape sugar levels. This can complicate the production of non-vintage Champagnes that rely on a balanced acidity and sugar content.
The Rhône Valley has seen an increase in extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, heavy rains, and frosts. The effects of climate change are requiring winemakers to be innovative and adaptable. The region’s historical grape varieties, particularly Grenache and Syrah, are somewhat resilient. Still, the impact of rising temperatures, drought, and unpredictable weather patterns will likely continue to shape the future of Rhône wines. Scott and I are excited to experience the Rhone Valley on a river cruise in November 2025 and try some of their famous GSM. (Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre) If interested, learn more here.
Italy (Tuscany)
Known for its Sangiovese grapes, Tuscany is facing shifts in climate that may threaten traditional growing seasons. Warmer temperatures could lead to earlier ripening and loss of acidity in the wines. Winemakers are shifting harvest times, experimenting with higher altitude vineyards, and considering new varietals such as Alicante and Nero d’Avola.
Some areas are benefitting from climate change.
Germany (Mosel and Rheingau)
Warmer temperatures benefit cooler regions like Mosel, where Riesling grapes traditionally struggled to ripen. However, extreme weather events like hail and frost are becoming more unpredictable.
United Kingdom (Southern England)
The UK is emerging as a new frontier for wine production, with warmer temperatures making regions like Kent and Sussex suitable for growing sparkling wine grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
These changes are forcing many more wine regions to adapt their winemaking practices, explore new grape varieties, and even shift vineyard locations to higher altitudes or cooler climates to sustain their wine production in the face of climate change.