Climate Change And How France’s Winemakers Are Trying To Make A Difference
Part One – The Affects of Global Warming on French Wine Production
The Impact of French Winemakers and Climate Change on the Industry
In this two-part series, we will explore the effects of climate change on the French wine growing industry.
Global warming is a hot topic.
As discussions around French winemakers and climate change gain momentum, it becomes increasingly important to understand the impacts and the solutions being proposed.
President Emmanuel Macron said “We have decided to make France a model in the fight against climate change.” France has kept this promise and treats climate change very seriously. The decommissioning of coal burning power plants in 2021 was big step in the right direction. France has historically been known as a country that is dedicated to trying to reduce their carbon footprint on the environment and takes climate change very seriously. However despite the various environmental protection measures that the government has put in place there are many environmental agencies and activists in France that still feel that it is too little too late.
The commitment to combat climate change is reflected in how French winemakers and climate change initiatives are prioritized in policy discussions.
So what is the impact of climate change on the French wine industry?
France produces 16 percent of the world’s wine. In 2019 production in France dropped 19% due to extreme weather conditions. Extreme weather conditions are defined as – mild winters (which cause the buds to develop earlier then they should) followed by freak frosts (resulting in burned buds which will not produce grapes), hailstorms (which destroy vines and anything that has started to grow on the vines), sodden vineyards (which result in the vines and grapes being more susceptible to diseases such as mildew) and finally rising temperatures are now becoming the norm.
Sadly, 2022 is no exception.
Understanding the Role of French Winemakers and Climate Change
This year, as in others, the unique challenges faced by French winemakers and climate change continue to impact the industry significantly.
Already in 2003 winemakers began to realise after the summer heatwave that it was evident that the planet was warming up and the effects were beginning to become apparent. Wine producers began to realise that climate change was no longer a just a worry but had now become a reality
It’s evident that as French winemakers adapt to climate challenges, discussions surrounding French winemakers and climate change must remain a priority.
To better understand the impact that climate change on grape growing it is useful to understand the normal vine growing cycle: (dates given for the northern hemisphere)
- Budburst – March and April
- Shoot and leaf growth – March and May
- Flowering and fruit set – May to June
- Vèraision (end of grape growth) and berry ripening – July to September
- Harvest – September to October (October and November for Vendanges Tardives (Late Harvest)
- Winter Dormancy – December to March
Harvest records in Burgundy date back for nearly 700 years. In 1540 historians recorded a massive drought and fires throughout the region causing a massive rise in temperature that necessitated an exceptionally early harvest which resulted in a grape harvest that produced wines with high alcohol and sugar content (something that was unheard of at during that time period).
This historical data is crucial for understanding how French winemakers and climate change have evolved over centuries.
Grape harvest dates are an excellent way to track climate change as winemakers through the centuries have carefully documented and continue to record the vine cycle and harvest dates each year. Grape harvest dates are a direct result of the conditions of the growing season. If the weather is cool then the grapes take longer to reach maturity, when it is hot the reverse is true.
The tracking of harvest dates reveals the intricate relationship between French winemakers and climate change, showcasing the need for adaptive strategies.
According to the records kept by the French Government, harvests are taking place 18 days earlier then 30 years ago. It is clear to see that rising temperatures are causing a reaction in the grapes as well as changing the overall wine. The temperatures have risen so much that harvest in now often taking place in early August instead of September. In southern regions of France such as Roussillon, temperatures have reached an unheard of 40°C making it necessary to either harvest the grapes at night or very early in the morning to keep the harvested grapes cool enough before the winemaking process begins. Reports of burned leaves and withered fruit is now commonplace.
This shift in timing reflects the urgent need for French winemakers and climate change to be addressed through innovative practices.
Alcohol levels and sugar levels are affected by the scorching temperatures.
As the market evolves, understanding the dynamics between French winemakers and climate change becomes ever more critical.
In Bordeaux, wine producers are concerned about the future of the Merlot grape variety.
The potential extinction of grape varieties speaks to the broader implications of French winemakers and climate change influencing biodiversity.
In conclusion climate change is affecting the future of wine everywhere in the world and it is not just up to winemakers but also for wine consumers to make every effort possible to lower our carbon footprint – Think locally act globally and Santé!
Ultimately, the responsibility lies not only with the winemakers but also with consumers to support efforts addressing French winemakers and climate change.
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