PARIS (Reuters) – France has revised its wine production forecast for 2024, predicting a crop of 37.5 million hectolitres, down 22% from last year and 15% below the five-year average. This sharp decline is attributed to the wettest September in 25 years, following an already challenging year for the country’s wine industry.
The new forecast is in line with the underwhelming 2021 harvest, which was similarly impacted by frost. The revision lowers the previous forecast of 39.3 million hectolitres, which had accounted for earlier weather disruptions.
The French Ministry of Agriculture cited “unfavourable weather conditions” that affected all wine-growing regions, with Champagne, Burgundy, and Beaujolais facing particularly significant losses. The Champagne harvest is expected to drop by 33% compared to last year, and by 14% below the five-year average, while both Burgundy and Beaujolais could see a 35% reduction in their yields.
Heavy rainfall, combined with frost, mildew, and hail, has put a strain on vineyards. The ministry noted that many vines flowered in cool and humid conditions, resulting in millerandage and coulure – phenomena where grapes are small or flowers fall off prematurely. This weather also led to earlier-than-usual harvests in some areas to minimize further losses and health risks to the grapes.
In Champagne, producers had already advocated for a 12% reduction in the harvest due to a decline in sales, which saw a 15% drop in the first half of the year.
You Might Be Interested In:
