French harvest to plummet to ‘historic lows’ in 2017
ThE FRENCh MiNiSTRy of agriculture has predicted that the national wine harvest may be reduced by as much as 17% in 2017, forecasting production of between 37m and 38.2m hectolitres of wine, compared to 45.5m hl in 2016.
The likely fall in production is predominantly attributed to frost and hail. According to the ministry, 2017 is to be a ‘historic low’ – 16% lower than the country’s five-year average and even worse than 1991, a vintage infamously hit hard by frost.
Following a second consecutive year in which frost has affected French vineyards, the severely decreased level of production of wine in France could lead to higher prices.
The report predicts that yields in Bordeaux 2017 could fall by 50% in comparison to 2016, due to the spring frosts in the region. The Right Bank is among the areas hardest hit; however, many top estates could afford to employ frost avoidance techniques, such as flying helicopters over vines to circulate warmer air.
Alsace is also among the areas worst affected by frost, with the report estimating production in the region is set to plummet by 30% in comparison to 2016.
however, in the loire, despite frost cutting production by up to 40% in some areas, the harvest is set to begin 15 days earlier than usual and 2017 production is set to rise overall by 7% compared to 2016.