by Hervé Lalau
The dismal weather France has experienced since the middle of May has not had the overall impact on vineyards that was predicted
The continuing damp is causing mildew in Bordeaux, particularly among organic vineyards. If the vines are not treated with chemicals, brown rot can set in that can result in grape losses of up to 80%.
Vintners in the more northern regions of Burgundy and Champagne appear less worried. Despite the bad weather, which is driving tourists away, the vine cycle is well advanced. Temperatures have been around
2.5°C higher than is average for the May to July period and the harvest may come two weeks earlier this year than is usual. Also, the Champagne houses are less likely to use organic management methods.
But, of course, the grape quality depends on the weather in August.
The Mediterranean regions of France, being the southern Côtes du Rhône, Provence, Languedoc and Roussillon, have not suffered at all from the rain. Rather, they have experience good and dry weather conditions. Fires have appeared in the Var due to dry soils and strong winds.
