French winemakers set to defy drought, lift output
STORY: Wine production in France is expected to go up this year.
That after output was hit by frost in 2021.
The country’s farm ministry expects production to rise up to 21% - or as much as 45.6 million hectolitres.
One hectolitre is about 133 standard wine bottles.
Much of France - known worldwide for its wine-regions - has experienced a heatwave this year.
More sunshine has caused vines to flower, although parts of the southwest were affected by frost and hail.
But the heatwave also has worrying consequences elsewhere.
The country has seen wildfires.
France's agricultural sector - which is the EU’s largest - also fears more losses from the country’s worst drought on record.
It was affecting grapes in several major winemaking regions and hurting harvest potential in Burgundy.
Officials also warned production in Bordeaux was likely to fall below the five-year average after frost and hail damaged 10,000 hectares.
Fans of expensive drinks can rest easy, though.
The farm ministry said the Champagne region was set for a good harvest.
Output there is seen above the five-year average, thanks to rainfall in June and limited vine disease.
