According to figures recently released by the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), France is on the verge of taking Italy's place as the leading wine-producing nation.<\/p>\n
Despite the considerable damage caused by hail on certain plots of vines in Burgundy and Languedoc-Roussillon, the 2014 harvest should allow France to produce 46 million hectoliters of wine, i.e. the equivalent of more than 6 billion bottles and about 10 % more than its production in 2013.<\/p>\n
Thus, according to the OIV figures illustrated by Decanter.com above, the country would regain its place at the top of the ranking of wine producers.<\/p>\n
France's main rival, Italy, is expected to produce only 44.4 million hectoliters of wine this year, 15 % less than in 2013. Rains have indeed slowed the development of the grapes in the north from the country.<\/p>\n
Spain is in third place and should produce 37 million hectoliters this year, a figure down from the excellent production in 2013 (45 million hectoliters). Beyond the European continent, New Zealand reached a new record with an increase of 29 % compared to 2013 to reach 2.5 million hectolitres.<\/p>\n
On a global scale, OIV figures suggest pressure on the wine supply is slightly greater than a year earlier. World production should be 6 TP3T lower than in 2013, for an estimated total of 271 million hectolitres.<\/p>\n
However, consumption should not exceed this figure and remain around 243 million hectoliters, or around 32.3 billion bottles.<\/p>\n
Chris Mercer<\/p>\n
October 27, 2014<\/p>\n