FRANCE – French wine production is forecasted to see a significant drop in 2024 as adverse weather conditions and viticultural hazards take their toll on vineyards across the country.
According to the ministerial statistical service for agriculture (Agreste), wine production is expected to decrease by 18 percent to 39.3 million hectolitres, which is 11 percent lower than the five-year average.
The decline is expected to affect all categories of wine, with wines destined for spirit production being hit the hardest.
Agreste predicts a 34 percent reduction in wines intended for spirits, which had experienced an exceptional harvest in 2023.
“All categories of wines would be affected by this drop, in particular wines intended for the production of spirits (-34%) which had experienced an exceptional 2023 harvest, and those from the Loire Valley,” Agreste said.
Unfavourable climate conditions have led to various challenges for French vintners. One such issue is coulure, where grape flowers fail to develop into fruit due to metabolic disruptions caused by out-of-season weather.
Another challenge is millerandage, a phenomenon where grape clusters develop berries of irregular sizes. These viticultural hazards, along with frost, mildew, and hail, have contributed to the anticipated production decline.
Key wine-growing regions such as Beaujolais-Bourgogne, Jura, Charentes, and Val de Loire have been particularly affected by these climate-related problems.
In the Champagne region, Agreste forecasts a 16 percent drop in production compared to 2023 due to spring frosts, mildew, and hail.
This decline in production follows a recent report from the French wine producers association Comité Champagne, which revealed that Champagne shipments had slumped in the opening six months of 2024 after “an exceptionally rainy wine campaign.”
The committee said Champagne shipments fell 15.2 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024. The figure reached 106.7 million bottles, which is now at “a level that is close to that of 2019.”
Despite these challenges, France regained its position as the world’s largest wine producer in April 2024, overtaking Italy and Spain.
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