Wildfire Smoke Taint Threatens Bordeaux Wine Vintage
1 report, 1 independent
Updated Fri 00:00
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What happened
Massive wildfires recently ravaged southern France, with the fires reaching Bordeaux’s city limits. Winemakers are concerned that smoke compounds from the fires may have affected the 2026 vintage. These compounds, including guaiacol, cresols, and syringol, can penetrate grape skin and attach to sugar molecules, forming glycosides.
From acs.org
Why it matters
The incident focuses on the potential impact of wildfire smoke on the fine red wine industry of Bordeaux. Researchers are currently studying how to mitigate this smoke taint, noting that the damage is localized to specific areas but its full extent is unknown.
From acs.org
Who's involved
- BordeauxCity and region facing potential quality degradation of the wine industry due to smoke exposure.
- GirondeAdministrative department of Gironde, which includes the affected area.
- Adelaide UniversityHome institution of researchers studying smoke taint mitigation in the affected region.
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The entities involved
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Adelaide University
public university in South Australia
- A joint project funded barley research involving researchers from the University of Western Australia, Adelaide University, and Viterra.
- A consortium including the Australian Government, University of Melbourne, Adelaide University, and Menzies School of Health Research received funding to address the health impacts of climate change.
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Bordeaux
city and commune in Gironde, New Aquitaine, France