The wine harvest in France is predicted to be earlier and better than in 2017. Of course it is important to make hay while the sun shines but climate change could bring many difficulties in the coming years.
Climate change is changing the patterns of the weather. The climate and weather may become too hot or too dry or wet for certain types of grape varieties. Pinot Noir grapes do not lend themselves to excessive heat. The weather might become too hot for growers in Champagne and Burgundy they might have to change to growing grape varieties which are able to sustain themselves in the coming weather conditions. What will that do to appellation rules?
Also rain and thunder storms are becoming stronger and more frequent; excess rain and hail can badly damage crops.
Climate change in the coming decades could ruin wine production.
It is not just France that is affected by climate change. The South UK is becoming warmer in the short term this might render the climate more favourable for wine production but our winters are becoming wetter and this might counter balance any favourable effects.
If we do not start to mitigate the effects of extreme climate change we could lose our favourite accompaniment to good food. Enjoy the 2018 vintage and hope there are plenty of good vintages to come.
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