The Guardian reports that Bordeaux has formally validated a new “bordeaux claret” style within its protected designation, positioning it as a lighter, lower-alcohol, less tannic red intended to be served chilled, and available from the 2025 vintage. The move is framed as a response to hotter growing seasons pushing alcohol levels up, and to shifting demand towards fresher, more casual reds, especially among younger drinkers. Producers are said to be adapting with shorter macerations and experimentation with heat-tolerant varieties, while keeping classic, age-worthy Bordeaux reds alongside this new category.
Climate change
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Cold Climate Viticulture Puts New Northern Wine Regions on the Map
Euronews reports that colder climate viticulture is accelerating across northern Europe, driven by hardier hybrid grapes and climate related shifts in growing conditions, and it argues this is reshaping wine tourism beyond the usual sun soaked regions. It highlights Estonia’s Muhu Winehouse as an example of new northern vineyards inviting visitors for tastings, pairings and workshops, and it also points to changing expectations among local sommeliers as quality and ambition improve.