2024-09-06 09:30:02
French wine production is expected to fall 18% in a year in 2024 due to “particularly unfavorable” climatic conditions in almost all producing regions, according to new estimates released by the French Agriculture Ministry on Friday.
The harvest is expected to be 39.3 million hectoliters, “a significant decrease” from the previous forecast of 40 to 43 million hectoliters issued before the harvest began in early August.
Agreste, the ministry’s statistics service, noted that “last month’s estimates were revised downwards due to a better assessment of the fruiting of late vineyard flowering, particularly in the Charente department”.
The most significant drop was recorded in the Jura vineyards (-71% in one year), where, after the good harvest of 2023, severe frosts and mildew led to a significant drop in production.
But in terms of production, the most significant drop affects the large Charente vineyards: “Despite an increase in surface area, production should fall by 35% compared to the record 2023 vintage, due to a lower number of grape clusters and poor flowering due to wet conditions,” explains the ministry.
Other vineyards worst affected are the Loire Valley (-30%) and Burgundy-Beaujolais (which will lose a quarter of its production): the losses are mainly caused by mildew, and in the case of Beaujolais also by hail.
Champagne production fell 16% in one year, but was still 8% above the five-year average.
In Bordeaux, 8,000 hectares of vines are planned to be uprooted this year, resulting in a reduction in area and an expected 10% reduction in production, also due to disease and hail.
The reduction in surface area is due to a drop in wine sales in recent years, with consumers particularly shunning red wine.
This year, many vineyards have been affected by phenomena such as “color fading, which causes flowers and young berries to fall,” or “milleranda, which causes berry size variations.”
These phenomena are the result of wet and cool periods during flowering. Mildew has affected most wine-producing regions.
Production in Corsica’s small vineyards was up 9% compared to the five-year average, thanks to rainfall in August, although volumes were down 5% over the year.
Nationwide, the 2024 harvest is expected to be 11% below the 2019-2023 average, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
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French Wine Production to Plummet 18% in 2024 Due to Unfavorable Weather Conditions
The French wine industry is bracing for a significant drop in production in 2024, with estimates suggesting a staggering 18% decline compared to the previous year. According to the French Agriculture Ministry, the projected harvest of 39.3 million hectoliters is a “significant decrease” from the initial forecast of 40 to 43 million hectoliters.
Adverse Weather Conditions to Blame
The ministry attributes the predicted shortfall to “particularly unfavorable” climatic conditions in almost all producing regions. The statistics service, Agreste, notes that last month’s estimates were revised downward due to a more accurate assessment of the fruiting of late vineyard flowering, particularly in the Charente department.
Regional Breakdown
The impact of the adverse weather conditions is not uniform across all regions. The Jura vineyards have been hit the hardest, with a staggering 71% drop in production compared to the previous year. This dramatic decline is attributed to severe frosts and mildew.
The large Charente vineyards are also expected to experience a significant drop in production, with a 35% decrease compared to the record 2023 vintage. This decline is primarily due to a lower number of grape clusters and poor flowering caused by wet conditions.
Other regions that will be severely affected include the Loire Valley, which is expected to see a 30% drop in production, and Burgundy-Beaujolais, which will lose a quarter of its production. The main culprits behind these declines are mildew, and in the case of Beaujolais, hail.
Champagne and Bordeaux Also Affected
Champagne production is expected to fall 16% in one year, although it remains 8% above the five-year average. In Bordeaux, 8,000 hectares of vines are planned to be uprooted this year, resulting in a reduction in area and an expected 10% reduction in production. This decline is also attributed to disease and hail.
Consumer Trends and Market Factors
The reduction in surface area in Bordeaux is partly due to a drop in wine sales in recent years, with consumers increasingly shunning red wine. This shift in consumer preferences has contributing to the decline in wine production.
Consequences for the French Wine Industry
The projected drop in wine production will have significant consequences for the French wine industry. With a decline in production, winemakers will face reduced revenues, and the industry as a whole will need to adapt to the new reality.
Key Takeaways
French wine production is expected to fall 18% in 2024 due to unfavorable weather conditions.
The Jura vineyards will experience the largest decline in production, with a 71% drop.
The Charente vineyards will see a 35% decrease in production.
Other affected regions include the Loire Valley (-30%), Burgundy-Beaujolais (-25%), and Champagne (-16%).
Bordeaux will experience a 10% reduction in production due to disease and hail.
The decline in wine production is also attributed to consumer trends and market factors.
As the French wine industry navigates this challenging period, winemakers will need to be innovative and adaptable to stay competitive. With a focus on sustainability and quality, the industry can work towards a brighter future, despite the current decline in production.
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