originally posted by Jeff Grossman:
originally posted by Sharon Bowman:
non-winedrinker-centric tack
You couldn't say "winemaker-centric" ?
Anyway, the gist of the article is that vineyards will need to move or change as it becomes too hot to grow fine wine in current vineyards, and that no one will be satisfied to cut down redwoods, kill moose, or level national parks to do so.
Firstly, I think he underestimates the human talent for rationalization. The moose are already as good as dead.
Secondly, I think he underestimates the human talent for adaptation. Grafting vine A onto rootstock B is just a baby step. "Monsanto Merlot" will require 30% less water to grow to maturity and it will taste like Trotanoy no matter where you plant it!
Thirdly, vineyard management is evolving. Balancing the local ecosystem through co-plantation is a genius move that is in its infancy. (Frere Brezeme is into this, as I recall.)
Fourthly, while crassly stated in one of the hyperlinked documents, this is an interesting sub-case of #2, above, and relevant to your original disclaimer:
"The more sustainable thing," says farming consultant and winemaker Steve Matthiasson of Premiere Viticultural Services, "is to farm for a higher cropping level. You don't need as many acres of the world to grow the wine we want to consume."
Feh on his opinion but he is volumetrically correct.
