Three scales
Climate works at three nested scales: the macroclimate of a whole region, the mesoclimate of a particular site, and the microclimate within the vine canopy.
- Maritime — even temperatures, moderate rain (Bordeaux): gradual ripening.
- Continental — hot summers, cold winters, frost risk (Burgundy): vintage-variable.
- Mediterranean — warm, dry, sunny (southern France, much of California): ripe, generous wines.
Most vineyards sit between roughly 30° and 50° latitude, but site can outweigh latitude entirely.