France’s famous vineyards are set to be moved further north to escape devastating summer heatwaves
- Vines in wine-producing areas such as Coteaux du Languedoc were very burnt
- The increase in temperatures could force vineyards to move more northerly
- Temperatures of up to 114.6F (45.9C) saw some estates lose 80 per cent of their grapes
France’s vineyards could be forced to move to more northerly climes because of searing summer temperatures.
In the final days of last month, when temperatures of up to 114.6F (45.9C) were recorded, the vines in wine-producing areas such as Coteaux du Languedoc were severely burnt.
Some estates have lost 80 per cent of their grapes.
It could mean that vineyards will be more common in the country’s damper areas which have previously been considered unsuitable for large-scale production.
In the final days of last month, when temperatures of up to 114.6F (45.9C) were recorded, the vines in wine-producing areas such as Coteaux du Languedoc were severely burnt
It could mean that vineyards will be more common in the country’s damper areas which have previously been considered unsuitable for large-scale production. Stock picture
Catherine Bernard, who owns a vineyard in Restinclieres, near Montpellier, said: ‘If we cannot grow them in the south of France, we must accept we cannot grow anything else here either.’
But further north, Philippe Bardet, of the Bordeaux Wine Council, celebrated the sunny spell, saying: ‘It’s magic!’
The notoriously chilly US state of Alaska, which lies partly in the Arctic Circle, has baked in record temperatures.
Its largest city, Anchorage, saw a high of 90F (32C) shattering the previous record of 85F (29C) which was set in June 1969.