(TDB) - The effects of climate change are happening so quickly that Burgundy will be unable to make Pinot Noir in 20 years according to leading Australian winemaker Chester Osborn.

Speaking to the drinks business during a recent trip to London, the chief winemaker of d’Arenberg said:

“Climate change is happening. The start date of each vintage moves forward by a week per decade. There’s no doubt that we’re seeing the effects of global warming.

“Burgundy won’t be making Pinot Noir in 20 years as it will be too hot; they’ll be making Shriaz and still Pinot production will move to Champagne and England.

“There is a very real possibility that if the effects of global warming get too servere then Barolos won’t be made as Nebbiolo is such a sensitive variety and needs such specific conditions.

“Global warming is going to completely re-set the game – Bordeaux is going to have massive problems.”

But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Osborn believes climate change can be tackled in the vineyard by planting alternative varieties that are better suited to warmer temperatures.