European Wine Exports See Crémant Surge and Cava Decline in Q1 2026

A Nomisma Wine Monitor report for the first quarter of 2026 shows a broadly negative trend for European DOP wine exports. Italy’s export value fell 6.2%, France 3.4%, Germany 5.5% and Spain 8.5% compared with the same period in 2025. The only notable volume gains were in sparkling wines: French Crémant rose 19.4% in volume, while Spanish Cava dropped more than 9%. Champagne grew 3% in volume, Prosecco slipped 0.8%, and Asti edged up 1% thanks to rising demand from China.

In a separate interview, Baron Philippe de Rothschild discusses how his family’s wine business is adapting to climate change and market fragmentation. He stresses the need for long‑term planning, water‑management strategies in Bordeaux, and balancing tradition with innovation across estates in France, California and Chile. The interview highlights the broader challenges facing European winemakers as weather patterns shift and consumer preferences evolve.