Like chocolate, will red wine be on its way out by the middle of the century? What is certain in any case is that current world production has reached its lowest rate since 1957, i.e. for 61 years, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV). This tumble is due to the unfavorable weather conditions which have affected the European Union since last year and because of which "only" 250 million hectoliters (1 hectoliter is equivalent to 100 liters and therefore to 133 bottles of 75 cl) of wine could be harvested in 2017, i.e. 8.6% less than in 2016 according to Reuters. The harvest of French winegrowers could thus fall this year by 19% with 36.7 million hectoliters, that of the Spaniards by 20% with 32.1 million hectoliters and that of the Italians by 17%. However, wine production outside Europe remains stable:the United States retains its position as the world's 4th largest producer, ahead of Australia, Argentina and China.
However, there is no need to worry about a potential shortage, according to an OIV representative:“In 2017, three of the major producing countries – Italy, France and Spain – were affected by unfavorable climatic conditions for wine production. […] However, we must bear in mind that wine is a product that can be stored, which means that the wine produced over a year is not and does not have to be consumed during that year. ". A shortage would only be likely to occur if the disastrous years followed one another, therefore. Ironically, wine consumption is on the rise:243 million hectoliters were drunk in 2017 worldwide, which is 1.8% more than in 2017. The United States is the heaviest drinkers with 32.6 million hectoliters, closely followed by us French people who consume an average of 27 million hectoliters per year. However, China risks catching up with us because it saw its consumption increase by 3.5% between 2016 and 2017. there will be something for everyone. And always in moderation, of course!
