France Wine Production Forecast Improved But Big Drop Still Seen
Burning hay in an effort to save vines from frost and cold in the Dorodogne, France.
© Shutterstock
Burning hay in an effort to save vines from frost and cold in the Dorodogne, France.
© Shutterstock
Slightly improved forecast
France’s farm ministry has raised its estimate of the country’s wine production for 2021. Wine output this year would total 34.4 million hectolitres, a drop of 27% on 2020 and 22% below the average of the five last years, it said on its website. The slightly improved forecast from last month was due to increased estimates for the regions of Charentes, Bordeaux and Champagne.
Frost catastrophe
French wine production has tumbled in 2021 after severe spring frosts and summer rain ravaged vines. Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie described the frost attack in April as "probably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of the beginning of the 21st century".
While total Champagne output was now seen falling by less than previously expected, it would still be the lowest in 40 years and could lead to reserves from previous years being used, the ministry said.
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