How will global warming change Australian wine?

This article discusses some of the ways that global warming effects wine production. Wine is a complex substance. A good wine is the result of an intricate process with many factors influencing the bouquet, the flavour, the longevity and the enjoyment of each bottle. That's why every wine is different; that's why we love the stuff. Vintages vary from year to year. Wines from different regions vary, even if made from the same grape varieties.

A major influence on wine quality is the temperature during few weeks before ripening. If it's too hot the grape makes lot's of sugar and no flavour compounds; too cold and there won't be enough sugar or flavouring compounds to make good wine.

Much of the quality of a wine depends on a group of substances called polyphenols, or phenolics. You'll hear wine buffs rabbiting on about them from time to time.