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Most people think of the climate in terms of how cold it will be or whether it will impact their plans. However, the climate also has a significant effect on the plants growing in a region. For example, the grapes used to make wine require specific atmospheric conditions to develop different, subtle flavors. Without understanding the effects of climate on these fruits, the end result may be less than ideal. Here’s what wine enthusiasts should know.

The Dangers of Extremes

Cold, wet winters can be detrimental to the grapes because they won’t mature as quickly. This means that there’s less sugar content, which leads to an increase in acidity.

wineWhen it’s especially wet, the grape soaks up some of that moisture, which also robs it of some of its natural sweetness. This lends the wine a more tart flavor with less alcohol content.

Heat waves can be just as harmful, with warm air causing stress in much the same way that moisture does. The higher temperatures can minimize leaf growth, leaving grapes more vulnerable to sun exposure and potentially causing them to shrivel up.

Excessive heat can cause grape “shatter,” also known as coulure in the viticulture industry. This is when the fruit clusters don’t fully mature. If they’re not pollinated, then they can’t fully develop into grapes—which means they can’t be used to make wine.

The Perfect Conditions

There’s a science to growing grapes in the right climate. The conditions must avoid extremes in regard to heat, cold, and moisture levels. Grapes often perform well when it’s slightly warmer, with a light breeze in the air. The elevated temperatures allow grapes too mature more quickly, without getting too hot. This contributes to more sugar content and deepens the color, too, resulting in a sweeter wine with more alcohol.

A vineyard’s location and general climate play the most significant role in determining the flavors of its wines. Bordeaux, for example, is a relatively cool region where flavors tend to be drier, less sweet, and more herbal.

By contrast, wines from the warm Napa region are redder, fruitier, and sweeter. In areas where the general climate is cool and the growing season is hot, however, there’s a significant advantage: producers can grow many different varietals to appeal to different tastes.

 

For an excellent selection of wines from around the world, look no further than Beverage World Package Store in Doraville, GA. This liquor and wine store carries an extensive inventory, including beer, liquor, and ingredients for cocktails. Visit them online to find out more about their offerings, or call (770) 441-0001 to speak with a member of the staff.

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