Breweries, Wine, and Cheese

Climate and Wine

The Grape Vine: The Effect of Temperature on the Vine

By Elspeth Brown

There is a certain, crisp coolness in the air. The leaves are changing and the earth is getting ready for its long rest. The reds, oranges and yellows will provide a bright and vibrant palette of colors across the landscape. That is, as long as the weather is just right. An early frost will speed up the display and the warm weather will prolong it.

Weather can have the same strong influence on grapes in the vineyard, and the wine they produce. There are so many different climates in the world, which is why winemakers are able to make so many different styles of wine. The three main climate categories that most wine regions fall into are maritime, Mediterranean and continental.

A maritime climate is characterized by its closeness to a body of water, which helps moderate the temperature. This climate allows for a long growing season, but unfortunately can have excess rain and humidity, which encourage disease, mold and mildew. Some of the famed wine regions possessing maritime climates are Champagne, Bordeaux, Willamette Valley, New Zealand and most German wine regions.

Mediterranean climates also have a very long growing season with temperate climates. One drawback of this climate is the lack of rainfall, which can lead to drought. In this instance a wine grower will need to irrigate. Mediterranean climates can be found in Provence, Tuscany, Napa Valley and most Portuguese regions.

Continental climates have very distinct growing seasons with hot summers and cold winters. This climate is subject to a wide range of problems—from frost and hail to drought. The northern hemisphere has more continental climates then the southern hemisphere and most of them are found inland. Some of the notable areas with continental climates are Mendoza, Rioja and the Italian Piedmont.

Ideally, in the final month before harvesting the temperature should stay around 60°F to 70°F. Winters should be adequately cold to allow the vines to rest. But, if it gets too cold, under 5°F repeatedly, the vines run the risk of freezing. Hail or frost can ruin a crop.

Frost in late spring, when the buds are most vulnerable, is one of the worst predicaments. Wineries will put heaters in the vineyard to help prevent the vines from freezing. If it doesn’t get cold enough during the winter, for instance in warmer maritime areas like the Margaret River in Australia, not all the pests will be killed off, making disease control much harder.

The difference between the hot and cold climates and their influence on the grapes is like night and day. Cool climate wines tend to be lower in alcohol and higher in acidity. Hot climate wines produce bigger, bolder flavors with higher alcohol and softer acidity.

The perfect growing conditions can produce the ideal wine, one that has character and can be cellared and enjoyed years later. A bad growing season can bankrupt a small grower, especially if the vines don’t produce enough grapes or disease destroys the vines.

Weather can make or break a crop. When you find a good vintage, stock up because the next year might not even be worth cooking with.

Elspeth Brown is the owner of Maggie B’s Wine & Specialty Store located at 10C South Main Street in Weaverville. For more information, visit maggiebswine.com or call 828.645.1111.

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