Climate change

Grape wine flavour and composition varies depending between different vineyards, areas, or regions. With the rising global temperature, it has become a concern with the impending effect on grapes that it would have.

As climate change accelerates, vine phenology and grape composition are increasingly affected, with implications for vinification, wine microbiology & chemistry, and sensory aspects. It is important to note that climate change-related effects include earlier harvest times and higher temperatures, increased grape sugar concentrations, which contribute to high wine alcohol levels, lower acidities, and modified aroma compounds from varietals.



Some regions are currently experiencing extremely hot temperatures, which may inhibit vine metabolism and reduce metabolite accumulations, which could affect wine color and aroma. The presence of excessive sugar induces a stress response in yeast, increasing the production of fermentation co-products such as acetic acid. Unless acid is added to control the pH, the higher pH will result in significant changes in the microbial ecology of musts and wines, which increases the risk of spoilage and organoleptic degradation.

How will Climate Change affect the production of grapes?

With lack of water or high temperature, it will change the way wine will be processed. If there is extreme drought and heat conditions, then the grapes will be affected by the soil and the weather condition. Grapes can tolerate moderate water scarcity, hence in Southern Europe, it is grown in dry and unproductive soil. But even though, the quality of grapes will deteriorate. Bad climate conditions will cause stress on the plants which will stun the growth of the grapes.

What changes can we expect in grapes due to adverse climate conditions?

●        High concentration of sugar content:

Grapes are fermented to turn sugar into alcohol. The high temperature will change the process of fermentation which will lead to higher sugar content which will in turn heighten the alcohol content.

●        Loss of colour intensity:

The high temperature will affect the pigmentation of the red wine; hence it will result in a lighter shade of red wines.

●        Less acidic wines:

The acidity level in the wine adds flavour to the wine which helps to preserve it. Higher temperatures will reduce the malic acid present in the wine and increase the potassium.

●        Modify the taste of wine:

The flavour of the wine will also change due to the high temperature. The temperature plays a huge role in the synthesis of aromatic taste in the grape which will result in altering the taste of the wine.

During the growing process of wine, low water levels or high temperatures can pose challenges. Soil plays a crucial role in determining plants' ability to cope with drought and heat. In order to make high-quality wine, moderate water stress is beneficial. However, Grapes suffer from stress due to environmental factors, which will ultimately affect the wine they produce.