2007TatiarraCulledBarrelShiraz

Sans Climate change is constantly in the news with dire predictions forecast for the future, yet readers of viticultural history will be aware of past periods of high temperature fluctuations. The climate zones in which grapes are capable of being grown is quite narrow, particularly if one is growing grapes at the premium end. There are two aspects to temperature and subsequent temperature fluctuations. The first is related to a basic physiological need for the grapes to be grown within a certain temperature band. Scientists have analysed and selected climate maturity groupings which are based upon the average growing season temperatures and the ability to ripen a particular grape variety. For example, Champagne and Alsace are regarded as being cool. Chile, Bordeaux and Burgundy are regarded as intermediate. Margaret River, South Africa and Northern California are regarded as warm, whilst Hunter Valley and Barossa Valley are regarded as being hot.