This summer has proven to be especially bad for the grape harvest in France’s Bordeaux region.  The perfect combination of meteorological conditions has led to an alarming spread of mildew throughout the region. The combination of warm weather and rain has resulted in new plant growth being left unprotected as the wet weather has hindered the application of herbicides.

The mildew has been having the greatest impact on the red grape varietals, most notably Merlot.  So far this year the region has been impacted by two separate waves of mildew.   It remains to be seen whether the disease will progress onto the stalks of bunches and if it can be ultimately contained.

Some growers have lost their entire harvest.  As a result, a helpline has been established to help growers cope with the devastation.  Some grape growers are even considering their careers because of the mildew.  It has been quite traumatic for those trying to control it.

This is the second consecutive year where Bordeaux growers have been impacted by the weather.  The 2022 harvest was about 11% less than the ten-year average.

Grape growers are hoping that the region will soon see a return to more uninterruptedly dry, hot weather.  If the dry heat returns, Bordeaux may see the 2023 harvest being within the top three earliest harvests in the past decade.  However, given the devastation caused by the mildew, the harvest yield will be much lower than in previous years.  This will no doubt impact the price when the 2023 vintage of Bordeaux reaches store shelves in a few years’ time.

Sláinte mhaith