Summary
Climate change is significantly altering the suitability of the middle Loire Valley for 'Chenin blanc' grape cultivation, with rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns threatening traditional viticultural practices. Research indicates that increased heat stress and water scarcity are likely to reduce grape quality and yield, posing challenges for UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes. The study employed climate modeling and viticultural assessments to evaluate the impact of projected climate scenarios on grapevine performance, highlighting the need for adaptive strategies to preserve this iconic wine-producing region.
Citation
Neethling, E., Coulon-Leroy, C., Goulet, E., & Grondain, V. (2023). Impact of climate change on ‘Chenin blanc’ in the middle Loire Valley. Acta Horticulturae, (1370), 83–86. https://doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2023.1370.11