But worse than that, the Financial Times (Saturday 10th April 2021) has reported that similarly abnormal cold weather with severe frosts has hit France too, having a disastrous impact on young growth in French vineyards.
The net impact has been estimated as adversely impacting the grape harvest in certain areas by as much as 90 percent! The same goes for the likes of peach and apricot harvests too.
It is estimated that 80 percent of French vineyards have been affected.
It has been reported that tax breaks and assistance from banks may have to be introduced to help the growers.
Many of whom resorted to lighting fires to try and protect their vines. Some sprayed their vines with water to try and protect the new growth with a layer of ice from frosts as low as minus 5 degrees. Most growers would focus their efforts on trying to protect their vines which produce their most valuable wines. However, it should be noted that the paraffin heaters themselves have caused an environmental hazard by blanketing many hectares of land under smoke.
All of this to very little avail.
Chablis, Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne, they have all been affected.
The outcome of this will be a shortage of French wines and an escalation in prices.
Fortunately, we have recently restocked our French wines and Champagnes and are holding our last year’s prices.
Let us know if we can help you restock.
www.boutiquewineandchampagne.com
