Viticulture and Winemaking under Climate Change

Higher temperatures advance grapevine phenology. Hence, grapes ripen earlier in the season under warmer temperatures. When grapes achieve full ripeness in the warmest part of the season grape composition can be unbalanced, with red grapes containing less anthocyanins. Wines from these grapes will lack freshness and aromatic complexity. Hence adaptations to higher temperatures encompass all changes in plant material or modifications in viticultural techniques with the purpose of delaying ripeness.