To take note in Chile: Heat wave in France will reduce wine production but improve its quality

A heat wave has hit much of France in recent days, with highs of 42°C in the Rhône Valley this week. Scorching temperatures have hit the vines in southern France so badly that production will drop, but the heat could produce an “exceptional” quality crop, vintner Jerome Volle said as he worked early on Wednesday to take advantage of the cool. “This year we are in a late concentration that will raise the quality of the grape and, therefore, the cost of the wine, since the softness and the aromas that will emerge will make a quite exceptional wine for 2023,” Volle said at his vineyard in Valvigneres, in the Ardeche region. A 10-20% drop in production is expected in the region, but with higher quality, said Volle, who represents Ardeche winegrowers. “The heat wave is not bad if it doesn't last long, however, it burns the grapes a bit so we lose a bit of production,” said Volle, 49, who started work at 3 a.m. To take note in Chile: heat wave in France will reduce wine production but ...