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The global wine scene is turning its attention to white grapes.

According to the International Organization of Wine and Vine’s Evolution of World Wine Production and Consumption by Color, published in late 2023, white wine is now the most popular wine in the world, both in terms of production and consumption.

So, what’s fuelling this shift?

While a growing preference for lower-alcohol wines plays a role, the real game-changer, as many winemakers point out, is climate change, Fast Company reports. With scorching and erratic weather patterns wreaking havoc, vintners are turning to innovative solutions, and increasingly, that means embracing the crisp allure of white wine.

It all comes down to the science of ripening.

It’s a classic Goldilocks dilemma when it comes to ripening grapes, regardless of their hue. Leave them hanging too long, and they risk becoming tart, astringent, or overly “green.” On the flip side, let them ripen too much, and the fruit loses its essential acidity, leading to a lacklustre wine. Plus, the longer grapes linger on the vine, the higher their sugar content climbs, resulting in wines with elevated alcohol levels.

Red grapes face a significant challenge when it comes to soaring temperatures and the danger of overripeness. Much like wearing a dark T-shirt on a blistering day, these red-skinned grapes soak up more heat from the sun.

As Giovanni Gaja, the fifth-generation owner of the Gaja estate in Piedmont, Italy, notes, “When it’s 35 degrees Celsius outside, the juice inside the berries can soar to 50 degrees Celsius.”

But it’s not just about heat; red grapes also involve the intricate dynamics of skin and seed ripeness. To craft a captivating red wine, the juice must macerate with the skins to extract that rich colour and essential tannins. Navigating this delicate balance becomes an even trickier endeavour in an increasingly unpredictable climate.

As temperatures rise during the growing season, it can cause sugars to increase and acid levels to decrease before the grapes reach full maturity. This imbalance is highly problematic for winemakers.

However, white wines don’t have the same concerns, as juice is pressed off immediately and doesn’t require time on the skins.

“The advantage of growing white grapes is that full phenolic ripeness is less important than with black grapes,” says Rafael De Haan, co-proprietor of Herència Altés in Cataluña, Spain. “The must [juice and pulp] does not have any meaningful contact with skins or pips, thus negating the risk of overly herbaceous wines.”

‘Freshness’ has become a buzzword in the world of wine, often associated with the sought-after qualities of today’s best bottles. While it lacks a precise definition, it generally refers to wines boasting vibrant acidity and lower alcohol content. As temperatures continue to rise, this refreshing style is gaining traction, becoming more fashionable than ever.

“Global warming is a factor that I would say has become constant at least over the past five years worldwide,” says Julio Alonso, executive director of Wines of Chile, North America. “As a result, consumers have been shifting towards fresher wines and changing to whites.”

While the world’s winemakers may need to become more bullish about blancs, the wines from our favourite Franschhoek gem, Anthonij Rupert Wyne, are pretty well-balanced across the hues right now.

 

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Anthonij Rupert Wine has not one but two tasting rooms to experience all that local wine can offer. With a focus on terroir-specific wines and ranges made from several different sites, there is a lot to experience.

Head over to the Terra del Capo Tasting Room to try out the marvellous Italian-inspired Terra del Capo range or the Anthonij Rupert Tasting Room, where you’ll be offered tailored wine tastings of our L’Ormarins, Cape of Good Hope, and Anthonij Rupert wine ranges.

Reservations are necessary for a seamless experience. Book your wine tasting at Anthonij Rupert Wine over here.

It’s hard to say what the wine world will look like in 20, 40, or 60 years, but at least we can sit back and enjoy both reds and whites from the skilled and experienced Anthonij Rupert Wyne winemakers.

[source:fastcompany]