Wine Growing Climates
Between latitude 30° and 50°
Most of the world's wine production and the best suitable climate is found between latitude 30° and 50°, both North and South.
| Data | Cool Climate | Warm Climate |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Light to Medium | Medium to Full |
| Alcohol | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Acidity | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| Tannins | Low to Medium | Medium to High |
| Apperance | Transparent | Darker |
| Aromas | Elegant and Delicate | Pronounced Fruit |
| Flavors | Fresh and Zesty | Bold and Tropical |
| Mouthfeel | Crisp | Rich |
Cool Climate Wines
Wines from areas closer to the Poles, with lower temperatures and sunlight, where the grapes struggle with ripening (sugar, acid, and PH balance).
- North of latitude 37.5° north
- South of latitude 37.5° south
- Average growing temperature 16.5°C (62°F) or below
- Vineyards above 800m in altitude
Examples: Germany, Northern France, Oregon, and South Argentina.
Cool climate enhances acidity and reduces sugar. Tannins and color are often low due to low ripeness.
Cool climate suits best white wine production because white grapes generally ripen earlier.
Best known white varieties are Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Best known red varieties are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay.
Medium Climate Wines
Wines made from grapes grown:
- Close to parallel 45° north and south
- Average growing temperature between 16.5 and 18.5°C (62°-65°F)
Examples: Piedmont, Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, Willamette Valley in Oregon.
45° is half way between the Pole (90°) and the Equator (0°).
Warm Climate Wines
Wines from areas closer to the Equator, with average high temperatures and high sunlight:
- Close to parallel 30° north or south
- Average growing temperature from 18.5 to 21.5°C (65°-70°F)
Examples: California, Italy, Southern Spain, Argentina, Australia, South Africa.
Warm climate is associated with ripeness, deep flavor, jammy fruit.
Warm climate tends to produce sweeter wines.
Overripe and oxidized fruit tends to color white wines towards golden shades of yellow, and red wines towards brown shades.
Warm climate enhances sugar and reduces acidity. Tannins, color and alcohol are often high due to ripeness.
Climate Characteristics
| Character | Cool Climate | Medium Climate | Warm Climate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Flavors | Red Berry, Cherry | Blue Berry, Plum | Fig, Prune |
| White Flavors | Apple, Pear | Melon, Peach | Mango, Pinapple |
| Body | Light | Medium | Full |
| Fruit | Lean | Ripe | Overripe |
| Acidity | Crisp | Integrated | Soft |
| Alcohol | Low, Moderate | Medium | High |
Wine Growing in EU
Wine growing areas in EU. Source: Eurostat.