French production will be adversely affected by heatwave, according to ministry
France's wine production will be hit by the ongoing heatwave, according to the agriculture ministry, which forecast volumes down by this year will be down by between six and 13% compared to the previous year.
The country endured a heatwave at the end of June which saw temperatures rocketing well into the 40's, meaning that production should be between 42.8 and 46.4 million hectolitres-the lowest figures in the last five years, said the ministry, based on estimates drawn up on July 12.
Particularly hard hit have been the western wine regions of France, such as Val de Loire, Charente, and Bordelais.
In southern France, the heatwave broke records, with temperatures in some places as high as 46 degrees Celsius (115 degrees Fahrenheit).
The heat damage meant lost production in three regions: the Gard, Herault and Var, the ministry added. Hailstorms also affected some vines but they did less damage nationally.
Another heatwave has been forecast for most of France in the coming week.France, along with Spain and Italy, is one of the world's top three wine producers and exporters, according to industry figures released last week.