Scorching summer pushes French wine harvest to new historic low

France's wine production is projected to fall below 3.4 billion liters this year, according to government estimates, following a devastating drought and series of heat waves that ravaged vineyards throughout the country. The Champagne region suffered the most severe consequences, with growers harvesting the earliest grapes on record as temperatures accelerated ripening.

The Agriculture Ministry's statistics service, Agreste, reported that soil drought spread across the entire country, leading to sunscald, burns, defoliation, and grape shriveling in various vineyards. Champagne's harvest output is anticipated to be roughly halved, with the lowest grape bunch weights in 20 years. In contrast, southern France's Languedoc-Roussillon wine region is expected to rebound with a 5% increase from last year's poor harvest, which was approximately 13% below the five-year average.

However, overall production in 2022 remains 8% below average. While initial conditions appeared promising, the oppressive heat and dryness of the summer negated potential yields. If verified, this year's crop would mark France's smallest since 1957, a nearly 70-year low. Wine is not the only casualty of Europe's harsh summer; maize losses are estimated to range from 50 to 70% in Slovenia, 40% in France, and 20 to 25% in Italy, with some areas experiencing up to 70% loss.

Croatia anticipates a 30% decline in fruit and grape output. French Environment Minister Monique Barbut estimates the summer's economic damage to be between €10 billion and €15 billion, potentially equaling 0.5% of GDP. Paris has allocated over €1 billion in emergency farm aid, although agricultural groups argue that the assistance is insufficient.