The Wine’s parallel

The 45th parallel (Nord) marks the equal distance between North Pole and Equator, it is also known as the “natural equilibrium” parallel and historically considered the ideal latitude for wine production.

Why this one specifically?

Between the 50th and the 30th north parallel and 30th to 40th south, there are particular environmental conditions ( illumination, temperature, precipitation ) which suit vine growth .

Europe falls right into this area, exceptions made for Scotland and Scandinavia, and particularly good zones covered by the 45th parallel include south Bourgogne , Willamette Valley in Oregon, Napa Valley in California, Oltrepò Pavese and Monferrato in Italy.

Does climate change sway this dogma? Is it possible that the 45th parallel is destined to lose its crown?

Clearly, the rising temperatures could open new possibilities for viticulture , repurposing those areas once considered the best for such a task. According to researchers, a temperature increase of 2°Celsius could render 56% of the current vine fields inhospitable for further use.

Indeed, previously unused regions like those in Sweden, Denmark and Norway are investing in viticulture projects based on new vine growth methods like Solaris, Rondo and Vidal, marking how important it is to choose technologies which aid vine resiliency and resistance to climate change.

If you’re curious to know which are the northernmost vines in the world, that title would go to Sweden (57°N), where grow Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Rondo, while the southernmost counterpart, would go to Patagonia, Argentina (45.6°S) in the region of Chubut, known for its cold winds.

Useful Links:

Diversity buffer winegrowing regions from climate change loss https://www.pnas.org/content/pnas/117/6/2864.full.pdf

Oliver Bernard: MAGIE DU 45è PARALLELE, LATITUDE DES GRANDS VINS: Latitude idéale des grands vins du monde