Climate Change Threatens Perpetual Change in Champagne's Taste
Scorched vineyards, compromised flavours: climate change casts doubt on the future of the cherished bubbly drink as champagne houses brace for survival, potentially altering the taste of champagne, reports CNBC.
High temperatures across Europe and increasingly erratic weather patterns are causing concerns that the French Champagne region could become unsuitable for cultivating champagne grape varieties and producing the renowned beverage.
According to a report by S&P Global Sustainable, the physical risk brought by drought in the Champagne region is projected to almost triple by the 2050s, posing serious challenges for grape growers.
According to tasters, the taste of some champagnes already differs significantly from the champagne people consumed many years ago.
While Champagne producers and houses "remain confident in the health of their business," the committee has proposed a "cautious outlook" for 2023.
As per S&P Global Sustainable, the physical risk from drought in the Champagne region is projected to almost triple by the 2050s, which creates serious problems for grape growers.
In the report, regions are assessed on a scale of 1 to 100, where 100 indicates the highest risk. The report states that the risk of drought in Champagne will rise from the current level of 16 to 43 by the 2050s. It will then double to 88 by the 2090s if no changes are made to the current climate policy.
Drought is not the sole factor that could hinder production.
Additional heat can also alter the acidity of grapes, which gives champagne its freshness and "subtle brightness," said Matt Hodgson, the founder of English wine retailer Grape Britannia.
"We are fully aware of the climate change consequences for all of Moët Hennessy's terroirs, to varying degrees. More than ever, we are working on adaptation," said Sandrine Sommer, Chief Sustainability Officer of LVMH's Wine and Spirits division, Moët Hennessy.
According to the Champagne trade association Comité Champagne, in 2022, Champagne dispatched 325.5 million bottles of champagne, amounting to a total of €6.3 billion (US$6.9 billion).
The biggest markets for sales include the USA, the UK, and Japan.