How to prevent pinot noir from losing face

Classic, standard Burgundy pinot noirs are under threat - due to global warming, this legendary grape variety is becoming increasingly difficult to grow. To save it, French winemakers have to adapt to new weather conditions and look for ways to prevent the berries from becoming overripe.

Light, elegant, with a delicate aroma and a long and soft aftertaste. The most expensive wines are produced from pinot noir grapes. But it seems that, given the climate situation, gourmets will soon have to forget about them. In Burgundy, where this particular variety was cultivated for more than three centuries, due to climate change, the grapes began to ripen ahead of time.

Winemakers complain that winters have become very warm, which is why the buds open earlier, and in early April spring frosts come and you can lose the entire harvest in one night. Too hot summers also have a detrimental effect on the quality of grapes.

But winemakers do not despair and are trying to adapt to climate change. They are not ready to give up grapes that were historically cultivated in Burgundy. In order to reduce the effects of heat on the berries, winemakers work on the height of the grape bush - the higher it is, the more leaves it has and, accordingly, the more shade is created to protect the berries. In addition, they are trying to keep some weeds in the soil, which would cover the vine from the sun, protecting it from rising temperatures.

Scientists are also coming to the rescue of winemakers - today more than 30 research projects have been launched that are designed to help the industry cope with climate change. At the same time, winemakers are developing other heat-resistant varieties and, in search of an alternative, are vinifying more than 300 new varieties, hoping that one of them will save Burgundy.

Since pinot noir loves cool weather, many winemakers are thinking about moving the vineyards, planting them a little further north. However, this will no longer be the same Burgundy wine.