Continental Climate

/kon-tih-NEN-tul KLY-mit/
🍇Viticulture

Climate with hot summers, cold winters, and large temperature swings.

Full Definition

Continental climate features hot summers, cold winters, and significant diurnal temperature variation. Wine regions include Burgundy, Champagne, Alsace, and parts of Oregon and Washington. The temperature swings help develop flavor complexity while retaining acidity. Continental regions face frost risk and vintage variation.

Related Terms

maritimemediterraneandiurnal range

See Also

climateterroir
ConcentratedBack to GlossaryCooperage

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