Term (ancient Greek trópoi hēliou = solstice areas) for the geographical area between the two tropics of Cancer at plus 23° and 27' north latitude and Capricorn at minus 23° and 27' south latitude, where the sun is at its zenith at noon on the respective solstice. The subtropics follow polewards.
Countries
Countries (or parts of countries) belonging to the tropics or periphery are Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, India, Indonesia (on Bali), Cape Verde, Kenya, Colombia, Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Nigeria, Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sri Lanka, Tahiti (Rangiroa), Thailand, Uganda and Venezuela in Zimbabwe. In some countries there are two harvests a year (Brazil, India, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, Tahiti, Uganda, Venezuela), in some even three (Ecuador, Indonesia). The term New Latitude Wines, first used in 2003, applies to some of these countries.
Climate
This is the hottest climate zone on earth. It is characterised by high average annual temperatures with small annual but large daily fluctuations, lush vegetation (rainforest, jungle), as well as savannahs or deserts depending on the annual rainfall and humidity.
The outstanding feature of all tropical regions is the almost constant day length throughout the year, which only varies by a maximum of three hours; the sun is always high at midday and there is an annual rainy season, the duration of which decreases with increasing distance from the equator. There is also a general absence of frost.
In the inner tropics near the equator, the climate is mostly tropical and always humid, with average annual precipitation of 2000 mm. There are no pronounced dry seasons. In the outer tropics, on the other hand, there is a winter dry season with generally lower precipitation, which is most pronounced in the marginal tropics on the border to the subtropical climate zone. There are transitional periods between these.
Viticulture
Significant viticulture is only possible to a limited extent in the areas with a hot and dry climate due to the extreme heat and lack of water. In the warm and humid areas close to the equator, fungal diseases that are difficult to control are prevalent. In some tropical regions, the climate is tempered by higher altitudes and/or frequent rainfall. Vines can therefore grow here all year round. With artificial irrigation, high yields with a high sugar content but low acidity and flavour can be achieved. Mainly table grapes and sultanas are produced, as well as dessert wines, sparkling wines and wines for distillation.
Further information
See other countries under Africa, America, Equator, Asia, Europe, European Union, New World, Oceania, South America and USA, as well as all countries under Wine production volumes (vineyards and wine volumes).
Source: WIKIPEDIA-Tropics
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