Short Wave Solutions Week: Climate Change Is Coming For Your Wine
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Sep 9, 2024 Join Lauren Sommer, NPR's climate correspondent, as she delves into the troubling impact of climate change on Napa Valley's iconic cabernet sauvignon. She discusses the challenges of rising temperatures and their effects on grape ripening and flavor. Sommer highlights how winemakers are innovating to adapt, from introducing lesser-known grape varieties to employing cooling techniques. It’s a fascinating exploration of how our beloved wine industry must evolve to meet environmental demands.
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Heatwave Impact
- Lauren Sommer visited Larkmead Vineyards in Napa Valley, known for Cabernet Sauvignon.
- During the 2022 heatwave, temperatures reached 120°F, causing Cabernet grapes to dehydrate and resemble raisins.
Heat's Effect on Grapes
- Extreme heat causes grapevines to shut down and stop ripening.
- This leads to sweeter, more alcoholic wines with altered color and aroma due to the breakdown of key compounds.
Experimenting with Blends
- Larkmead Vineyards experimented with international grape varieties, removing some Cabernet vines.
- They aim to blend these heat-tolerant grapes with Cabernet to compensate for heat-induced flavor changes.