Wine makers pay the price – Spanish vineyards facing the climate change consequences

CLIMATE change and higher temperatures are affecting Spanish wine production. “According to experts, Spain is going to be worse off than other countries,” said Vicente Sotes, president of the Wine Committee of the International Wine and Vineyards Association.

“It is very hot in the summer and grapes mature very quickly which makes them lose consistency. Bouquets change, giving the wines different characteristics,” said Sotes, who is a Professor at Madrid’s Polytechnic University.

“In contrast, Germany benefits with better-matured grapes.”

UN predictions that temperatures will rise two degrees by 2050 should be relatively easy to adapt to.  “Different models and scenarios are being used to assess how the economy and population density will evolve. Although there could be serious consequences, two degrees should be manageable,” Sotes believes.

Wine-producers might have to change to different varieties of grape, he has suggested, although this could be problematical since many Designated Origin wines are directly related to the type of grape used.