Wildfires near Bordeaux spark fears of hidden damage to France’s wine

Wildfires burned 42,000 hectares and forced 220,000 evacuations near Bordeaux, raising fears of smoke taint damage to grapes.

Bordeaux's grapes were in veraison, the ripening period, making them especially vulnerable to smoke exposure.

Smoke taint can alter wine's taste, aroma, and value, potentially making it taste like an ashtray, and effects may not appear until after bottling.

Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are central to Bordeaux's identity and are especially at risk.

Climate change poses ongoing threats to France's vital agricultural sector, with this wildfire season being the worst in decades.