Climate changes improving the quality of British wines
Despite the fact that some of the English vineyards have the same type of soil that is found in the Champagne region of France, the vineyards in England are note for producing low-grade wine. However, over the last decade some great wines have been coming out of the country and many winemakers believe that climate change bringing warmer temperatures is really helping them out.
It seems that the warmer temperatures have really helped pinot noir and chardonnay to thrive in some of the southern England micro climates which are finished off by many investors running to bank on the weather. The statement fine England wine used to be sarcastically muttered, but over the past few years many vineyards are creating wine that has one champagne maker from France buying land in England.
This year was big for champagne makers in England as British bubbly were chosen to be the champagne that was served for Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th Diamond Jubilee. In fact, the export market has increased as well with English wine finding a market at restaurants and stores in Hong Kong, Japan Australia, and the United States.
Temperatures in England are about one and a half degrees warmer on average when compared to a few decades ago which is making for better harvests. Most climatic variables can greatly alter the way that wine grapes grow but it appears that Southern England is starting to achieve the climate of the Champagne region. While it is a good news for winemakers, local agricultural is suffering because the shorter growing season is making it hard for some crops to grow properly and for the right length of time.
