The Observer

Following the recent Climate Change and Wine Conference in Barcelona, Tim Atkin MW discusses the consequences of global warming on the world's vineyards. He warns that in fifty years time the likes of red Bordeaux, Mosel Riesling and Barossa Shiraz could be "unrecognisable". Viticulture in hotter regions such as southern Italy may no longer be viable by 2050. If this is the case, get drinking the 1006 T Toro Covitoro (6.99, Wine Rack) before it's too late. Ok, so there are ways of mitigating the effects of climate change such as planting at altitude or picking earlier, but he does not seem convinced this will be enough to save some areas. However, it's not all bad news for cooler countries that have never even had a vine growing culture. He claims Denmark and Sweden could have a future making drinkable wines. Typically cool wine growing regions may no longer be able to make the steely wines they can so enjoy Marks and Spencer's 2005 Leitz Rdesheimer Berg Roseneel Sptlese Old Vines Riesling (17, M&S) now.