Wildfire Smoke Research Examines Impact on Northwest Wine Grapes
What happened
Reports indicate that wildfires in the Northwest are a regular occurrence, with over 3 million acres burned this summer, compared to nearly 2 million acres burned during the 2020 fire season, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Research is underway to study how smoke affects grapes in the region. During fires, wine grapes can absorb volatile phenols, which are smoke-derived compounds that may create smoky, ashy, or burnt flavors in finished wine.
From oregonwinepress.com
Why it matters
The research is crucial for the wine industry as the absorption of smoke compounds can alter the quality and flavor profile of the grapes. This raises questions about the consistency and marketability of wine produced in the Northwest region.
Smoke from wildfires affects air quality in the Pacific Northwest.
From oregonwinepress.com
Who's involved
- NorthwestThe Northwest region where the wildfire acreage and grape research is taking place.
- National Interagency Fire CenterThe National Interagency Fire Center, which reports on wildfire acreage within the Northwest region.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- NorthwestSpeculative
Wine producers in the Northwest might face changes in product quality or demand due to smoke exposure.
Keep exploring
The entities involved
-
Northwest
northwestern quadrant of Washington, D.C.; largest of the city's four quadrants
-
National Interagency Fire Center
federal government building
Nothing else this week.