Wine prices set to rise after poor grape harvest
European farmers have warned that drought, cold and hail have led to the worst wine harvest in up to half a century.
Farmers union expert Thierry Coste said that while some price increases were expected, he hoped excessive rises could be avoided.
France’s grape harvest is expected to slump by almost 20% compared to last year. Italy’s grape crop showed a 7% drop – on top of a decline in 2011.
The Champagne and Burgundy regions were hard hit by weather conditions that particularly affected the chardonnay grape.
Mr Coste also said there may be an upside to the bad harvest – the quality of the wine produced will be good as it is expected to be more concentrated.
