"Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user3266 — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 00:21:15 GMT

Lioco, Windgap, Greg Lynn (Rim Rock Vineyard label states 12.5%)... 3 CA producers with much lower (on average) alcohol levels... And plenty of Rhone producers are making 15% plus. Seems like climate change while definitely an issue is very site specific and the control of the alcohol levels very much still in hands of producers. Am I wrong on this?

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2144 — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 21:18:51 GMT

IF Burgundy (or Mosel or Napa Valley or Cote-Rotie...) is affected by climate change to a point it cannot reproduce the similarly styled wonders it has to date, we will all mourn the passing of pleasure we derived from one of the truly specific and potentially awesome (and I do, in ode to our friend in the UK who utilizes the English language far more properly than we "Americans," mean that in its actual definition as, "characterized by an overwhelming sense of admiration/reverence") wine producing regions. I join the "elitist optimist" with a few thoughts:

-Human beings have proven their ability to extend the presence of what they enjoy against all odds time and again in history (who here has enjoyed cherry tomato salad with basil in December...in Chicago? Or a 1944 1st Growth produced under the noses of the overbearing ***?), so I have faith our beloved Burgundy will not only continue to make amazing wine, but also somehow figure out methods to produce in a style that we, at least today, consider its classic paradigm for longer than we can imagine. Too many (possessed, crazed, maniacal) wine and food lovers simply enjoy these wines too much to let go without one heckuva fight.

-Whether or not that becomes a scientific/physical impossibility, there are region/grape/winemaking technique combinations on this panet that we have yet to dream of which will delight as much. Differently, certainly, but as much. (No way can say "more than" - not with wines like the best of Chambertin and Musigny!)

-If this climate change is somehow cyclical, and what we lose during this warming stage does come back around some day, we have pristine records of exactly where and how very specific grapes were grown and vinified; it may take many generations, but I take some solace in the hope that someone someday will again share the same joy that we have during these halcyon days of great Burgundy.

More to the point, I enjoy the prognostication of what we might do in facing this real issue from a true wine idol. Thank you for the insight from one of the greatest references of the subject, one who has tasted with the highest of sensory analytical abilities a terroir driven region's truest (and finest) efforts over a period of time that has seen immense changes in all things related to wine production. What a resource!

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2202 — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 08:43:03 GMT

Climate change maybe. Global warming BS.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user3875 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 22:56:59 GMT

Also, I refuse to characterize one's belief in climate change as a political view. I see a body of scientific evidence, and interpret it as such. Just because Al Gore is out there espousing the issue, and I happen to agree with him, THAT doesn't make me a liberal.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2102 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:16:14 GMT

From the perspective of the Guild, we encourage open debate. If members ever feel that they are being belittled on an individual level, we take that very seriously. In this case, I interpret his writing as a criticism of ideas and not individuals. If you interpret it otherwise, I think that is a fair criticism.

The Guild as an organization does not endorse Mr. Coates opinions, but provides a forum for open exchange. We encourage anyone to counter his assertions with their own beliefs.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user4974 — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:48:41 GMT

Shame he had to start the article pushing his political views. Belittling others is not in the spirit of the Guild.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2130 — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:47:54 GMT

There was a pretty timely article today in the New York Times concerning global warming/climate change, and how the % of Americans who believe it is happening has gone drastically downhill since 2006, to about 59%. Basically, nearly ever other American chooses to ignore an unrelentingly large body of scientific evidence and conjecture. From what I understand, the UK also has its fair share of doubters. Scopes Trial, anyone?

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2819 — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:54:05 GMT

Great article.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

Anonymous — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:23:13 GMT

Canada: Clive Coates writes. Good idea. But we need areas with both rock (granite, hard schist, hard limestone, slate, etc.) plus an environment which is not so cold in the depths of winter that the vines never make 'vieilles vignes' as is the case in Niagara on the Lake currently. Thanks Argyle, and to all the rest of you with your kind comments.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user5636 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 23:15:30 GMT

Wonderful article. Thanks for all the insight, MS Coates.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user4452 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 15:04:08 GMT

Personally, I'd be looking at Canada for new wine-growing areas, Assuming the climate keeps on its present course, then higher altitudes and latitudes are where the future of fine wine lies. Thank you, Master Clive.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user2725 — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:49:57 GMT

Pretty cool that the Guild is getting legendary writers like Clive Coates to post here. I've not tasted wines for even 1/2 as long as Clive has, but I've noticed changes in winemaking styles, talked with producers and visited regions around the world and heard similar claims. If it's really true, then the next 20-50 years will surely mean some major changes in wine styles from the worlds most famous growing regions.

RE: "Global Warming: What are the Winemakers Doing About it?" by Clive Coates

user3994 — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:30:24 GMT

Wonderful article on a topic that's been on many of our minds I'm sure. Thank you!