Hot and cool climates
A comfortable place to start
Grapes grown in warmer regions often ripen with more sugar, which can contribute to riper fruit flavors, fuller body, and higher alcohol. Grapes grown in cooler regions often hold on to more acidity, which can show up as brighter fruit and a lighter feel.
You do not need to memorize regional climates to use this clue. If a bottle or wine shop describes a wine as warm-climate or cool-climate in style, consider that alongside the grape, producer, and vintage.
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Climate is one influence among many, including the site and the winemaker’s choices, so treat it as a clue rather than a guarantee. A particularly hot or cool growing season can also shift the usual profile of a region.