Favorite wine is threatened by climate change - "the maturation process goes into vain"

- Good wine is not produced - it is grown. When the climate changes quickly, it becomes more difficult to grow good wine, says Kimberly Nicholas, associate professor of sustainability science at Lund University.

Her research shows that between 70 and 90 percent of all vineyards in the world are based on just 12 grape varieties, grown in Europe for centuries and subsequently imported by winegrowers in other parts of the world. The lack of diversity makes the entire industry particularly vulnerable, as the temperature now rises in the wine regions of the world and makes it harder to maintain the taste of the grapes.

"Wineries around the world who have inherited their knowledge from grandparents can no longer rely on older experiences," said Kimberly Nicholas, who grew up on a vineyard in Sonoma, Northern California.

Wineries change grape varieties

Winery is a difficult art. The grapes must thrive in both the soil and the climate of the place where they are grown, and harvested at exactly the right time so that the balance between sugar and acid is best for the taste and the color.

- As the climate gets warmer, the maturation process ends in disarray. The grapes may need to be harvested earlier in order not to get too high in sugar, but the taste may not have developed enough, which is a concern, says Kimberly Nicholas, who believes that growers, due to climate change, should take advantage and experiment with other varieties that can withstand warmer temperatures better.

- I know wineries in Spain, Chile and California who are currently considering or have already had to change grape varieties.

Tetravin more climate smart

Kimberly Nicholas thinks it is better for growers to change grape varieties and utilize pre-existing cultivation land than move on the vineyards themselves. She adds that even wine consumers should opt to try and learn to appreciate wines on grapes other than they are used to.

In addition, another part of the wine's climate impact should be paid more attention by consumers, according to Kimberly Nicholas.

- Glass is heavy to ship and causes large greenhouse gas emissions. Lighter packaging is much better, says Kimberly Nicholas.

- So from the climate point of view, tetravine is actually preferred.