France Is Running Out Of Wine And It Might Ruin Christmas

First, there was the French butter shortage, putting croissants at risk. A few months later and now French wine is a risk.

French wine production is at an all-time low

France already had to deal with an imminent butter shortage but now the country is running low on wine. Wine production fell by 19% this year compared to 2016. This was even more worrying, as 2016 levels were already at a 30-year low. What’s more, production was felt across the board, over the entire country.

French wine production suffered a severe cold spell

Wine sellers have been hit by a bad combination of different extreme weathers

Grapes have also been affected by rain and drought

In the Rhône Valley there was a different problem, with severe drought affecting the grapes, while the same was also true of wine production in Provence and Languedoc. Across the Mediterranean region another problem emerged: a bout of wind and rain caused coulure, where mostly the Granache grapes didn’t properly develop after vines began to flower. And it’s not just France – this dire weather combination has also affected Italy and Spain. Italy’s wine production is down by 23% and Spain’s by 15%.

Wine sellers are looking hopefully to next year

It might be good news for some wine producers

For many wine producers, things are still undecided – for now. While about 25% of French wine producers do not insure themselves against bad harvests and poor weather conditions, the larger ones will be able to cope. Big estates that produce Chablis or Champagne keep reserves to sell when some years are tougher. Also, it’s France’s fine wine that will determine the state of the industry overall. Fine wine accounts for only 3% of production but for 20% of turnover, and sales of these will depend on foreign markets and how much they’re willing to spend on French wine. For other growers, they’re looking towards 2018 with hopes of better weather.

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