French Winemaker Gregory Guibergia Expresses Concern Over Smoke Damage to Vineyards Following Massive Wildfires
French winemaker Gregory Guibergia expressed relief that a wildfire only scorched the edge of his vineyard, but he remains concerned about the smoke's impact on the quality of this year's vintage. The blaze, which occurred in the Var region of southeastern France, destroyed over 6,000 hectares of land and forced thousands of people to flee. Guibergia noted that while the grapes are still maturing, the smoky taste may only become apparent after fermentation. He is currently testing the grapes to determine if they are fit for winemaking. Experts suggest that while a smoky flavor might not be a sought-after taste, it could still be drinkable. However, some winemakers in the region are worried that the smoke might compromise sales, as it is not a preferred aroma. This wildfire is part of a larger trend of extreme weather across Europe, where record-breaking heat and drought have led to a series of devastating fires across Greece, Spain, and Turkey.