London  - Red wine from the north of England could become the toast of connoisseurs within a few decades, according to research published Monday.

Climate change could lead to the cultivation of outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes on the hills of northern England, Professor Richard Selley of Imperial College London predicted in the study.

Selley used computer models of climate data to show that average temperatures in the south of England could increase by up to 5 degrees Celsius by the year 2080.

This would mean an end to the production of white wine in the Thames and Severn valleys, which have been wine regions from Roman times, Selley said.

Trying to convert to red wine production would be pointless as temperatures will be too high in the south, Selley said.

Southern areas would have to start cultivating currants, raisins and sultanas like the Middle East and North Africa today.

Selley, himself an oenophile, said England's Peak District and even the cool mountains of Snowdonia in Wales could become a first- class red wine region. (dpa)