According to experts, winemakers will have to adapt to the new realities and the flavor of Champagne will be forever changed.
Climate change in Europe could cause the collapse of the wine industry. Consultants S&P Global believe that the Champagne region in France will become unsuitable for growing grapes for wine production, as the region's exposure to climate risks and drought will almost triple by 2050.
The Comité Champagne association has questioned the future of Champagne, despite producers' assurance that there are no risks. According to experts, winemakers will have to adapt to new realities and the flavor of Champagne will be forever changed.
"Twenty years ago, the harvest took place at the end of September. Now the grapes are harvested in late August and early September," said Claire Sarazin, a representative of the Champagne Taittinger champagne house.
She also explained that the quality of the grapes has changed - now sugar does not need to be added to the wine material to produce the drink. So far, this is not a problem, but many wine critics have noted a significant change in the flavor of the wine compared to what it used to be.
Winemakers are now looking for regions with climates similar to Champagne. Champagne Taittinger, for example, was the first in the industry to invest in English wine back in 2015. The house of Pommery followed suit as well. The house of Moet Hennessy, on the contrary, defiantly refused such an option.
Earlier Bloomberg reported that the supply of champagne to Russia via Turkey increased by almost 200%.