Following an early harvest, French wine output will rise by 18%

This year's wine production in France is anticipated to surpass 44.6 million hectolitres, an 18% increase over last year's frost-damaged output, the agriculture ministry reported on Friday, as early harvesting due to a dry summer nears its conclusion.

This exceeded the ministry's September forecast of 44.0 million hectolitres and was 4% more than the average for the previous five years.

A hectolitre equals 100 liters, or about 133 wine bottles.

According to reports, the harvest in the Champagne region completed roughly 12 days earlier than the 10-year average, with the overall crop expected to nearly double from the previous year due to excellent weather.

Due to the effects of drought on grape development, spring frosts, and June hail, it was anticipated that the harvest in the Bordeaux region, which completed in late September, would be 5% below average.

The forecasted yields in the east and southwest regions of Alsace were 11% and 21% below average, respectively, due to the prolonged dry weather.