Climate on Wine

Climate on Wine

Koppen-GeigerClimateZone

Defined by Temperature and Precipitation.

A-Tropical, B-Dry, C-Temperate, D- Continental, E-Polar.

Wine educators talk in ZonesB, C, and D (Latitude 30-50 N&S)

Hot, Warm, Cool, Cold.

Eu Wine Zones

Zone A-coldest- UK, Czech-wine is marginal business

Zone B- Germany, Alsace, Loire, Champagne

Zone C-Warmest CI-Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone

CII-Langudoc/Rousillon, Northern Italy, Northern Spain,

CIIIa-Greece, Bulgaria,

CIIIb-Corsica. Southern Italy, Southern Spain

Climatic Conditions

Continental

-Large Annual Temperature Variation

-Wide Diurnal variation

-Away from Moderating influence of Large bodies of water

-Moderate Precipitation

-Short Growing season

-Hail and Frost-end and beginning of season

-More common in Northern area due to Large Landmasses

Mediterranean

-Less Seasonal variation

-Mild winters-Rain

-Risk of water shortage-irrigation

-Can get good diurnal temperature swings

Maritime

-Large body of water-moderating influence

-Distinct seasons-Less variation than continental

-Longer growing season but cooler temperature

-Rain/Humidity risks

Transitional/MixedZones

-Area blend unless Large body of waters or Mountains.

EG LOIRE VALLEY FRANCE

-More hazards

-Different grapes express better in different climates

Eg Grenache- better in Mediterranean than Continental

Chardonnay-Cooler Leaner, Warmer Tropical fruit

Vintage Variation determined by wet & cool-Continental and Maritime areas.