Europe experiences worst wine harvest in 50 years

on 17/10/2012 12:06:00

European farmers have warned that drought, cold and hail have led to the worst wine harvest in up to half a century.

Farmers union expert Thierry Coste said that France's grape harvest is expected to slump by almost 20% compared to last year.

Italy's grape crop showed a 7% drop - on top of a decline in 2011.

The Champagne and Burgundy regions were hard hit by weather conditions that particularly affected the chardonnay grape.

Mr Coste said there may be an upside to the bad harvest - the quality of the wine produced will be good as it is expected to be more concentrated.

While some price increases were on the cards, he hoped excessive rises could be avoided.