PARIS (Reuters) – Wine production in France is expected to be close to the average of the past five years this year, with favorable prospects in Champagne and Burgundy but not in Bordeaux, affected by mildew, forecasts from the Ministry of Agriculture show. ‘Agriculture published on Tuesday.
Production is expected to total between 44 and 47 million hectoliters, compared to 44.5 million hectoliters in 2018-2022 and 46.06 million in 2022, the ministry said.
One hectoliter is equivalent to 133 standard wine bottles.
However, the situation between the different regions is contrasted given the climatic conditions experienced by the country since the beginning of the year, which makes forecasts uncertain.
In Bordeaux and the southwest, production levels should be affected by the ravages of mildew in particular, a fungal disease whose development is exacerbated by the combination of frequent rains and high temperatures.
“The drier month of July as well as the beginning of veraison (maturation of the grapes) should make it possible to put a brake on it”, however underlines the ministry in its note.
Mildew pressure is increasing uncertainty over Bordeaux’s outlook, after falling demand for red wine prompted the government to provide aid to producers this year.
In Languedoc and Roussillon, it is the drought, particularly in Hérault, the Audois coast and the Pyrenees, which could reduce production potential.
“On the other hand, the situation in the other vineyards remains generally favorable. The bunches of grapes are often numerous and well supplied, thanks to flowering which took place in optimal climatic conditions and early summer rainfall which moistened soils,” the ministry said.
Production should exceed the five-year average in Champagne, where episodes of frost and hail caused little damage, as well as in Burgundy, despite some cases of mildew, the ministry added.
(Gus Trompiz, French version Laetitia Volga, edited by Blandine Hénault)
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