Climate Change: Challenge and Opportunity
Northern Rhône
- Syrah ripens more consistently
- Alcohol levels creeping up
- Harvest dates three weeks earlier
- Some exploring higher elevations
Southern Rhône
- Traditional varieties struggling with heat
- Mourvèdre (needs heat) performing better
- Night harvesting becoming essential
- Some reviving nearly extinct varieties
Adaptations
- Canopy management for shade
- Later pruning to delay budbreak
- Earlier harvesting for freshness
- Concrete eggs and amphorae for less extraction