What Makes Warm Climate Wines So Unique?
Whilst most wines are produced in fairly cool conditions, some of the world’s top-quality wines are only produced in warm climates across the globe.
But what makes these warm climate wines so special?
Warm climate wines tend to be widely enjoyed due to their bold, full-bodied flavours often missing from cooler climate wines. Wines created in a warmer environment absorb more of the sun’s character and contain higher levels of sugar, alcohol, and colour than those produced in cooler climates.
Warmer weather greatly impacts the taste and character of the grapes produced. For example, warm weather wines tend to be sweeter, riper and usually fruity. They aren’t as acidic, again lending themself to a softer, smoother taste. The amount of sweetness also relates to the alcohol levels within the wine, thus creating an intense, bold taste.
With a longer growing season, warm climate grapes ripen slowly, giving them time to develop a broader range of aromas and flavours such as tropical fruit, blueberry, aniseed and coffee notes.
An especially unique characteristic of wines produced in warmer climates is their increased glycerol levels. Glycerol is a product of wine which occurs during yeast fermentation, and relates to the texture of wine. A higher glycerol level tends to make the wine smoother and oilier.
Another unique factor is how many warm climate wines are aged in oak barrels for a longer period of time compared to other wines – this adds complexity resulting in an even more interesting flavour profile. All these traits make warm climate wines unique gems worthy of savouring!
Warm climate vineyards are mostly found across ‘New World’ producing countries, like the USA and Australia – which differ from ‘Old World’ producing climates found in areas such as Bordeaux.
Try a warm climate wine for yourself today!
