Cool Climate vs. Warm Climate Wines

Ever heard the phrase “cool climate wine” or “warm climate wine” and wondered what that could mean? We have the answers.

Several factors help shape a wine’s taste, aroma and style. The most important is the grape varieties used—which can also be affected by the climate in which the grapes are grown. Understanding how wines from cool and warm climates differ can guide you toward picking wines that suit your tastes.

For example, if you prefer a jammy, full-bodied red wine, you likely enjoy reds from warmer climates. However, a cooler climate wine might suit you if you prefer something lighter and brighter.

Read on to find out the differences between cool and warm-climate wines—and how to figure out which works best for you.

How Does Climate Influence Wine?

Specific climate conditions in a wine-growing region, such as temperature, sunlight and rainfall, can impact how the grapes grow and ripen—and, consequently, how a wine tastes.

Temperature—Warmer climates can result in grapes with higher sugar levels, translating to higher alcohol content and bolder, fruitier flavors depending on the winemaking techniques used. In contrast, cooler climates can produce grapes with higher acidity, giving the wine a lighter, crisp characteristic.
Sunlight—The amount of sunlight grapes receive can impact their ripening process. More sun exposure typically leads to riper grapes, which produce wines with robust, fruity flavors. Less sunlight can result in less-ripe grapes, leading to wines with more acidity and more subtle, complex flavors. However, excessive sunlight can sometimes stress vines and hinder the ripening process.
Rainfall—High rainfall, especially near harvest, can dilute flavor compounds in grapes, while a drier climate often leads to smaller, more concentrated grapes, yielding wines with intense flavors. That said, some regions with high rainfall, like parts of Bordeaux and Oregon, produce excellent wines, thanks to well-drained soils and careful vineyard management.
Seasonal variations—Changes between seasons, such as a hot summer followed by a cool autumn, can affect the balance between sugar, acid and tannin content in the grapes, influencing the overall taste and structure of the wine.
Microclimate—Different vineyards might have unique microclimates affecting wine characteristics even within the same region. Factors include the vineyard’s altitude, aspect, soil composition and proximity to the sea.

Cool Climate vs Warm Climate Wine—Key Differences

Warm Climate Wines

Wines originating from warmer climates often exhibit bold, ripe and jammy fruit flavors, as the higher temperatures and increased sunlight allow grapes to ripen more fully. This can also lead to higher sugar content in grapes, which often results in wines of higher alcohol content.

You might taste dark fruits like blackberries, black cherries or plums in red wines and tropical fruits like mango, pineapple or ripe peaches in white wines.

Grapes that grow in warmer weather typically develop thick skins to protect against the heat and sunshine. This results in more tannic wines that give a heavier weight in your mouth.

Cool Climate Wines

Cool climate white wines are often known for their tarter, more crisp fruit flavors, resulting from cooler temperatures that prevent the grapes from ripening as fully as in warmer regions. They typically have higher acidity, which imparts a refreshing feel, and lower alcohol levels.

The tannins are usually more pronounced and sharper in red wines from cool climates. Additionally, the slower ripening process in cool climates frequently results in wines with more nuanced flavors and aromas that transcend mere fruitiness, often encapsulating earthy, mineral or floral notes.

Grape Varieties and Climate

Certain grapes are more suited to warm climates, while others perform better in cooler areas.

Warm Climate Grape Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon—This widely grown grape thrives in warmer climates, producing full-bodied red wines with high tannin levels.
Syrah/Shiraz—Another warm-climate variety, it yields robust, spicy red wines.
Zinfandel—Predominantly grown in California (although also grown in southern Italy, where it’s called Primitivo), this grape prefers warm weather and produces bold, fruit-forward wines.
Tempranillo—This Spanish grape variety enjoys the heat and produces medium to full-bodied wines.
Grenache/Garnache—Often grown in the hot climates of Spain and Southern France, it delivers rich, red-fruited, spicy wines.

Cool Climate Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir—Known for its preference for cooler climates, it delivers elegant, aromatic and more delicate red wines.
Chardonnay—In cooler regions, Chardonnay produces wines with high acidity and green apple or citrus flavors.
Riesling—This versatile grape thrives particularly well in cool climates, producing aromatic, high-acidity wines, often with notable minerality.
Sauvignon Blanc—In cool climates, this grape generates wines with high acidity and pronounced green, herbaceous aromas and flavors.
Gewürztraminer—This grape prefers cooler temperatures, yielding highly aromatic, full-bodied white wines.

Best Warm Climate Wines

Well-known warm-climate wines include:

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—A full-bodied red wine celebrated for its high tannin content and bold fruit flavors of black cherry, black currant and cedar, often accented by aging in French oak barrels.
Australian Shiraz—Australia’s warm climate regions, particularly the Barossa Valley, produce premium Shiraz wines that are characterized by rich, ripe and jammy fruit flavors along with pepper and spice notes. These intensely fruity wines have grippy tannins, full bodies and high alcohol levels of around 14-15% ABV—all thanks to plenty of hours spent in the Aussie sun.
Rioja Tempranillo—Spain’s warm Rioja region yields Tempranillo wines that are medium to full-bodied with flavors of plum, berries and often a notable oak influence.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape—These red blends from the warm Southern Rhône region in France are typically Grenache-dominant and known for their bold, spicy and full-bodied character.
Paso Robles Zinfandel—Paso Robles in California is famous for its Zinfandel wines, known for their deep, ripe berry flavors with a hint of spice. These wines are often high in alcohol.
Argentinian Malbec—Argentina’s Mendoza region is famous for its robust Malbec, known for its inky darkness and intense, ripe black fruit flavors.

Cool Climate Wines

Here are a few well-known examples of cool-climate wines:

Pinot Noir from Burgundy—The Burgundy region in France is revered for its ethereal Pinot Noir wines, known for their elegance, delicate red fruit flavors and earthy undertones.
New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc—The Marlborough region of New Zealand is famous for its vibrant, intensely citrusy and herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc.
German Riesling—Rieslings, particularly those from Germany’s Mosel region, are renowned for their high acidity, low alcohol content and balance of sweetness and minerality.
Champagne—This iconic sparkling wine from the Champagne region in France reflects its cool climate through high acidity and complex flavors often described as toasty or bready due to extended yeast contact.
Oregon Pinot Noir—The best come from the Willamette Valley, and these wines typically balance red fruit flavors, high acidity and earthy characteristics.
Chablis—A region in the northernmost part of Burgundy in France, known for its dry, steely and high-acidity Chardonnay with distinct mineral notes.

How To Find the Right Climate for You

To find a wine that suits your taste, try varieties from both cool and warm climates and note their flavor and style differences. Think about which you prefer—full-bodied, ripe wines or lighter, more acidic ones, as this can hint at a preference for warm or cool climate wines. Also, consider the occasion and the food pairing, and learn about different wine regions.

Don’t be afraid to seek out experts and ask questions. At Laithwaites, we can provide recommendations based on your preferences and help you explore wines from various climates.

Remember, wine preferences can evolve, so keep exploring and enjoy the journey!

Explore one of our Laithwaites’ wine club subscriptions, each offering you and other wine lovers the opportunity to try a number of premium wines from across the world and various climates with no risk and no need to leave the comfort of your couch.”

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Cool Climate vs. Warm Climate Wines

How Does Climate Influence Wine?

Cool Climate vs Warm Climate Wine—Key Differences

Warm Climate Wines

Cool Climate Wines

Grape Varieties and Climate

Warm Climate Grape Varieties

Cool Climate Grape Varieties

Best Warm Climate Wines

Cool Climate Wines

How To Find the Right Climate for You

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