The beloved custom of toasting with a champagne “pop” as the new year draws near is in jeopardy because of the global warming catastrophe.
The three grape varietals that are necessary for producing champagne—chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier—are in danger of going extinct, according to data from Silicon Valley startup ClimateAi.
Famous wine-growing regions like Champagne in northern France are experiencing heat and changes in weather patterns due to climate change.
According to ClimateAi, these important grape varietals might disappear by 2050. The startup projects the future of grapes used in champagne globally using satellite data, field data, and global climate models.
There are acute issues facing the wine business that could result in price rises or quality adjustments. Kletter advises wine growers to look into cooler regions further north as a means of adapting.
Extreme weather in 2021 caused the Champagne region of France to have its lowest harvest since 1957, costing the region $2 billion. Notwithstanding challenges, Champagne’s 2023 output has improved.
Some wineries, such as CHO Wines in Oregon, have chosen to relocate to higher elevations in order to experience milder weather as a response to climate change. But the change raises concerns about whether conventional wine growers would accept new areas and winemaking techniques.
The wine business is faced with opportunities for creativity and innovation due to the climatic problem, but established regions like as Bordeaux and Champagne confront territorial limits. The Oregon Chos, for instance, tried co-fermenting grapes and apples, producing a well-liked sparkling wine with a distinct flavor.
In order to preserve cherished customs like the New Year’s Eve champagne “pop,” the business must overcome obstacles and look for creative solutions as classic grape varietals are in danger of going extinct.
