France wine production faces potential 70-year low

France’s agriculture ministry has warned that wine production could reach a 70-year low by 2026, marking the third consecutive year of declining yields. The industry is facing significant pressure from record-high temperatures and severe droughts.

Experts note that while southern regions like Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon have reported higher harvests compared to last year, more temperate regions such as Champagne and the Loire Valley are suffering the most. Jean-Marie Cardebat of INSEEC Grande École highlighted France’s lack of preparation for climate change, noting that unlike Spain, France lacks an extensive irrigation network, as such measures are strictly regulated and difficult to implement.

Florent Latour, CEO of Maison Louis Latour, reported that despite efforts, the company had to settle for approximately half of a typical harvest due to the lack of rainfall.