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Warming temperatures taking the sparkle out of some wines

Rising temperatures could force sparkling-wine makers out of traditional regions -- such as Champagne, France -- while opening up production in countries such as India and Chile.
(Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
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Business is not so bubbly for sparkling wine makers. Climate change is bringing higher temperatures to regions like Champagne, France, where delicate vines are succumbing to heat.

In interviews with wine publication Decanter, winemakers in France’s Alsace area say warmer climate is changing the taste of their traditional wines, altering the smell, sugar and acidity.

The changes have reconfigured the sparkling-wine map. Wine-growing regions such Chile, India and China are ramping up production of sparkling wine.

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