Wine grapes grow best in climates that aren’t too tropical, too arid, or too arctic. Most suitable wine-growing climates are found between 30°–50° latitude — both north and south. But through those areas, there are cool climates and warm climates, and climate greatly affects what wines grow and how they taste. Some grapes are better suited to cooler climates, while others prefer heat and sun.

Cool climate grapes typically don’t ripen as quickly, resulting in lower natural sugars and higher acidity.

These wines may be described as “elegant, nuanced, and fresh.” Tart fruits flavors like cranberry, raspberry, sour cherry, and green apple are common, as are herbaceous notes, black pepper spice, and earthy, “forest floor” notes.

 The grapes most adept to cool regions include: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling for white wines; Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc for reds.

Well-known cooler regions include:

• France’s Champagne, Chablis, Burgundy, Bordeaux
• Italy’s Trentino-Alto Adige
• Germany’s Mosel Valley
• Central Otago in New Zealand
• Coastal Chile
• Canada’s Finger Lakes and Ontario
• California’s Sonoma Coast

Wines common to these regions include lively Riesling from the Mosel, crisp Chardonnay from Chablis, earthy and juicy Pinot Noir from Sonoma, and grassy Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre.

Challenges

Wine grape growers in cooler climates face certain challenges:

• Vines may be lower yielding
• Winters can harm or kill the vines
• Frost events are more common and destructive
• Polar vortexes can claim entire vintages
• Growers can suffer devastating losses due to spring frost
• If the summer growing season is too short or cool, grapes may not ripen fully by harvest

Many cooler regions allow chaptalization — the addition of sugar so alcohol levels increase during fermentation. Such factors tend to result in greater variations between vintages.

I think I speak for everyone when I say we greatly appreciate the growers and vintners going through these challenges so we can enjoy this delicious wine!

Cheers!

Sources:
Wine Enthusiast
Wine Folly