Wine lovers and collectors may soon face higher prices and lighter shelves as France prepares for one of its lowest vintage outputs in decades following a summer of intense heatwaves and severe drought.
France, celebrated globally as the world’s premier wine-making region alongside Italy, is forecast to produce under 34 million hectolitres this year, roughly 4.5 billion bottles.
Scorching weather and minimal rainfall across famous wine regions have withered vineyards and slashed grape yields, with French agriculture officials warning that Champagne production alone could be halved this season.
Overall output is projected to drop 17% below the five-year average, threatening the global availability of iconic vintages.
–ChannelAfrica–
