2017 shortfall in wine production
Frost, fires and heat waves all conspired to hit European wineries hard. This year’s vintage is expected to be 8% down on 2016, which was a fairly typical year since 2000. Total volumes have been reported to be at levels not common since the 1950’s.
Europe in general was hit very hard by a devastating frost, knocking France's production to one of the lowest since the second world war and down 19% on 2016.
Italy was also hit by a severe spring frost but also got cooked by a heat wave, meaning output is the lowest in 60 years and 23% down on last year. Spain, the other powerhouse of wine production, is expected to be 15% down from last year.
