Change in climate and berry composition for grapevine varieties cultivated in the Loire Valley

A significant shift from cool to temperate climate conditions occurred in the Loire Valley between 1960 and 2010, marked by increases in mean temperature (1.3 to 1.8°C) during the growing season (April–September). This warming trend, characterized by stronger rises in maximum temperatures and increased bioclimatic indices like the Huglin Index, correlated with earlier harvest dates. Concurrently, berry composition of six major grapevine varieties showed higher sugar concentrations and lower titratable acidity at harvest, linking these changes directly to rising temperatures. The study analyzed climate variables and berry composition data from six locations across the valley over 50 years, revealing a clear influence of climate change on viticultural characteristics.

Neethling, E., Barbeau, G., Bonnefoy, C., & Quénol, H. (2012). Change in climate and berry composition for grapevine varieties cultivated in the Loire Valley. Climate Research, 53(2), 89–101. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01094