Climate change a threat to Riesling's future, warns professor

Published: 19 November, 2008

Producers of Riesling wine must put into place clear strategies to cope with climate change, or risk the future quality of their wines.

Producers of Riesling wine must put into place clear strategies to cope with climate change, or risk the future quality of their wines.

This was the stark warning given by Professor Hans Rainer Schultz at this week's third annual Riesling Fellowship, organised by Wines of Germany.

Schultz, head of the Institute of Viticulture, Grapevine Breeding and Oenology at the Geisenheim Research Centre in Germany, warned guests that whilst cool climate regions have, until now, benefited from meteorological changes in climate, conditions could soon cease to be advantageous.

The findings are part of an ongoing study, conducted by Schultz, which examines in detail the effects of altered precipitation, an increase in extreme weather conditions, greater UV radiation and carbon dioxide in the earth's atmosphere, and an increase in temperature, on vines, grapes and the wine itself.

"What is absolutely clear from history is that viticultural climates of tomorrow will not be like those of today. The wine industry has a tremendous adaptive capacity, but cannot continue to produce outstanding wines without agreeing that climate change is an issue and developing clear strategies in conjunction with research. Cultural practices will need to adapt and embrace greater flexibility," said Schultz.

The Riesling Fellowship, an annual event organised by Wines of Germany and hosted by the German Ambassador, is attended by key industry figures and top Riesling winemakers from Germany, France, Austria, Australia, Washington, New Zealand and, for the first time in the Fellowship's three year history, Chile.

Guests this year enjoyed a seasonal menu prepared by Embassy chef Kay Intek along with a selection of Riesling wines chosen by Andrea Bricarello, head sommelier from Bentley's Oyster Bar and Grill.

Nicky Forrest, Wines of Germany said, "The Riesling Fellowship continues to attract an impressive selection of Riesling producers from all over the world who gather to celebrate the success of 'the queen' of varietals. This year's presentation addressed an incredibly important topic. It only seemed right that we invite one of the world's foremost oenological experts to deliver it."

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