Wine Regions

Climate and Temperature -- Important Factors in Viticulture

Wine regions can be found in almost every country in the world.
Grapes grown specifically for producing wine are generally planted in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres between the 30th and the 50th degree of latitude. The temperatures in this particular area are considered best for the healthy growth of vines.

However there are regions outside this area where grape vines are being grown.

The list of wine regions can be endless, though the five largest wine producing regions are Australia, France, Italy, Spain, and United States, in no particular order.

Climates

The Southern Hemisphere runs across an almost straight line approximately between 50 and 60 degrees latitude south which misses land entirely.

In the Nothern Hemisphere there are considerably larger land masses with much warmer summers -- the Gulf Stream is a contributing factor to this warmth.

Whether the season is too cold, hot, rainy or there is a drought, the wine growers have ways of adapting to these natural conditions.

Temperature

Extreme cold temperatures can inhibit the ripening process and too much moisture or rain can threaten the health of the vines. The more extreme the temperatures and rainfall the more the vines' photosynthesis is impaired.

The famous wine regions in Europe are in different temperate zones. The temperatures are distinctly higher in the southern Mediterranean than in northern Mediterranean. With warmer temperatures and strong sunshine the Southern Mediterranean region produces a rich, full and velvety wine.

In Eastern Europe there are also hot summer temperatures, but there can be frosts. These extreme temperatures can be good for the grapes which can improve the quality of the wine. Tokaji is an example of the quality style wine produced in extreme temperature fluctuations.

Western Europe has summer temperatures between 59 and 68 degrees Farenheit. This is the zone of the majority of Europe's classic viticultural regions. The moderate climate with relatively high rainfall provides the ideal conditions for producing white wines with good acidity and well-balanced red wines with ageing potential.

Rivers

California and France, Italy and Spain, South Africa, Australia are some of the well known "coastal" regions on or near large bodies of water (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans, Loire, Rhone, Garonne rivers, Mediterranean, etc.).

The coastal areas are considered lifelines to important viticulturals areas as they moderate any extremes in the climate. They are considered to be the best locations for growing grapes.

New Zealand is one of the coolest wine regions in the the New World. As the two islands are long and narrow, no vineyard is more than 80 miles from the coast. This makes the climate cool and steady allowing the grapes to ripen evenly.

However, at times the rains can be heavier than needed which can lead to moldy grapes and dense vines. This can produce wines that can taste unripe. With today's techonological advances and techniques winemakers have the ability to produce quality wine even when the weather does not cooperate.

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