Viticulturists in France are accustomed to dealing with the whims of mother nature, but the start of the 2024 growing season has been particularly tough across many of the country's renowned wine regions.
From Cahors to Chablis, severe weather events including frost, hail, and heavy rain have caused significant damage, raising concerns about the viability of the 2024 harvest and the future of the industry, Wine-Searcher reported.
Devastating Frost and Hail in Cahors and Jura
The Cahors region has suffered a catastrophic loss, with an estimated 80% of the 2024 harvest destroyed by frost at the end of April. Local deputy Aurélien Pradié emphasized the severity of the situation, warning that frost events threaten the survival of vineyards in the Cahors appellation. Similarly, in the Jura, winemakers like Hélène Berthet-Bondet of Domaine Berthet-Bondet and Jean-Yves Noir of Domaine Noir Frères reported losing significant portions of their harvests due to frost. These losses are compounded by recurring frost attacks over recent years, which have taken a heavy toll on the region's winemakers.
Rain and Mildew in Beaujolais, Burgundy, and Bordeaux
Further west, Beaujolais and Burgundy have experienced heavy rainfall, leading to slowed vine growth and increased mildew risk. Brieg Clodoré of AgriBio Rhône et Loire highlighted the challenges posed by rainfalls of 30-40mm over short periods, which have created ideal conditions for mildew. The wet weather has also hindered the use of tractors for applying treatments, forcing some growers to resort to manual spraying.
In Bordeaux, early mildew outbreaks have been reported, particularly around Libourne and Saint-Emilion. Local viticulturists are closely monitoring weather conditions to manage the threat, with some describing the early mildew pressure as "completely crazy."
Hailstorms Ravage Chablis and Champagne
Chablis has faced destructive hailstorms, particularly impacting the villages of Fontenay-près-Chablis, Villy, and Chapelle-Vaupelteigne, where Jean-François Bordet of Domaine Seguinot-Bordet reported that almost all vines were 100% damaged. Despite efforts to control disease pressure, the early arrival of mildew spots has added to the challenges for growers.
In Champagne, a violent hailstorm in mid-May ravaged around 4-500 hectares, resulting in a 70% reduction in yield in the affected areas. Frosts in April have also contributed to an estimated 9% loss of primary buds across the Champagne appellation, although this is less severe than the 30% loss experienced in 2021.
Unique Challenges in Muscadet and Limoux
The Muscadet region is grappling with an unprecedented challenge called "filage," where low temperatures have caused vines to abort flowering, potentially leading to significant yield losses. Viticultural advisor Florent Banctel noted the rarity and severity of this issue, which has left growers like Eric Vincent of Domaine de la Foliette uncertain about the extent of the impact.
In Limoux, a major hailstorm caused severe damage to vineyards, stripping leaves, bunches, and shoots. The destruction has been described as akin to using hedge-trimmers, with significant losses reported in the western Corbières region as well.
Bright Spot in Corsica
In contrast to the challenges faced on the mainland, Corsica has so far been spared from hail, bad weather, and significant mildew pressure. Nathalie Uscidda, head of the Corsican wine research center (CRVI), reported that the vines are currently ahead of the 2023 vintage, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the widespread difficulties.
Conclusion
The start of the 2024 growing season has been fraught with challenges for French viticulturists, from devastating frost and hail to persistent mildew threats. These severe weather events have not only impacted the immediate prospects for the 2024 harvest but also raised long-term concerns about the sustainability of viticulture in affected regions. While some areas like Corsica offer a positive outlook, the broader picture underscores the increasing unpredictability and difficulty of managing vineyards in the face of climate change.