A changing world

Despite the naysayers, climate change has already impacted the traditional wine regions of the world. The wine regions throughout the world are, in some form or fashion, being affected either in quality or quantity.

As early as 2012, volatile weather brought about the smallest French grape harvest in 40 years, with production down by 20 per cent. (Increased production from other countries, brought even more pressure on the French.) These numbers are staggering, given the wide range of wine regions that exist throughout France.

• It is becoming more and more difficult to produce pinot noir wines in Burgundy.

• Depending on the heat units, some of the latest Beaujolais vintages more closely resemble wines from the Côtes du Rhône.

• The fragrant notes of Alsace wines are changing, as is the acidity.

• On the south coast, from the Italian to the Spanish borders, wines are developing a range of quality that make the wines of Provence, Costières de Nîmes and Languedoc simply outstanding.

Climate change is already adversely affecting the wines of France.

In North America, the Napa Valley and Santa Barbara are utilizing expensive irrigation techniques that increase the cost of their wines. On the other hand, the wine regions of the New York Finger Lakes and Ontario are benefiting from the new normal.

Vines will be planted in southern Sweden by 2050, subject to the same frost problems that we currently encounter in the County. Southern England, Denmark, and the northern tier of European nations will also successfully plant grape vines— re-introducing regional hardy vines now grown in Southern Italy and Greece.

What will happen to Australia, where wine in is currently cheaper than water? And what if their water disappears?

THIS WEEK’S PICK
This week, I tasted the 2015 Karlo Estates Pinot Noir. Remember that 2015 was particularly difficult, with a devastating frost that compromised the harvest.

The first thing that draws you in is the washed ruby colour, dissipating to a pale shadow on the rim. The nose is an intense wild raspberry, caressed with a hint of mace. The first sip offers layered flavours of mouth-pleasing cherry, raspberry with Trinitario chocolate and nutmeg on the finish.

This wine is also certified vegan: there is no casein (milk protein), egg white, gelatin or isinglass (fish bladder protein) used in the fining. (Carbon, limestone or clay such as kaolin are used to fine the wine.)

This wine is a delight; it has good aging potential and is available at the tasting room of Karlo Estates winery located on Danforth Road.