According to Hans Schulz, Professor of Viticulture at Geisenheim, Germany, changes in global climate, some of which have already occurred, will ultimately impact on the spectrum and distribution of wine grape varieties. At the Cool Climate Conference in Melbourne in January he presented evidence that UV-B radiation can impact on grape composition, including flavonoids, amino acids and carotenoids. UV radiation in the south of Australia is presently 15-20% higher than in the late 1970s.



