Brief article in today's La Nouvelle République by Alain Blanchard on the possible effects of global warming on wine production. He quotes Jacky Blot's doubts over whether 2009 was a great year for dry whites from the Loire. Unsurprisingly Jacky's view is that 2009 is better for reds and the sweet whites. The cooler years, such as 2007 and 2008, are more favourable to the making of a great dry white rather than years like 2005 and, especially 2003.
There is already somewhat of a question mark over how some the Sauvignon Blancs from the Central Vineyards will turn out given that they were picked at up to 15.5% potential alcohol. It will be good to get to taste them at the fast approaching Salon des Vins de Loire at the beginning of February. Given the range and variety of Loire wines it is difficult to see how all styles can be similarly successful in any given year.
Blanchard concludes by suggesting that if the changing climate makes growing certain traditional Loire grape varieties too difficult, then they can be planted in England, which has already seen a significant increase in vineyard plantings in recent years.
There is already somewhat of a question mark over how some the Sauvignon Blancs from the Central Vineyards will turn out given that they were picked at up to 15.5% potential alcohol. It will be good to get to taste them at the fast approaching Salon des Vins de Loire at the beginning of February. Given the range and variety of Loire wines it is difficult to see how all styles can be similarly successful in any given year.
Blanchard concludes by suggesting that if the changing climate makes growing certain traditional Loire grape varieties too difficult, then they can be planted in England, which has already seen a significant increase in vineyard plantings in recent years.
