Final answer:
The statement is true, as excessive heat due to proximity to the equator can cause overripening of grapes, affecting their aroma, color, taste, and texture, which are key to their commercial value.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that grapes grown too close to the equator may become overripe and lose some of the finesse and characteristics of the grape variety is true. The mental process associated with ripening is critically influenced by temperature, which can enhance or detract from the development of desired aroma, color, taste, and texture in fruits including grapes. Excessive heat near the equator can lead to overripening, resulting in a loss of varietal characteristics and potentially diminishing the grapes' commercial value. Warmer temperatures can shorten the growing season for plants, leading to lower productivity and increased susceptibility to pest infestations, setting back subsequent harvests.