The move came after the new estimates were discussed by Copa & Cogeca’s Wine Working Party in Brussels and presented at a press event.
Speaking in Brussels, Mr Coste said “Wherever we look, we see across the EU that some regions have been badly affected and others not by the climatic conditions. The weather events ranged from drought in some countries to frost and hail in others. The EU harvest is consequently not large but the quality is expected to be good. Production is still at a fair level after the excellent year in 2015”.
The estimates show that production is lower in most member states. Italy remains the biggest producer with production standing at 50.3 mhl, compared to 51.5 mhl in 2015, and the quality was good. Italian exports have also surged in 2016 compared to last year. Whilst in France, production is estimated to be down by around 12% reaching around 42 mhl. The quality is high and exports are up on last years’ level. In Spain, a slightly smaller harvest is predicted at around 41.5 mhl compared to 42.21 mhl in 2015 but the harvest still needs to be completed in some regions. Record exports have also been reported in Spain. In Germany, the harvest is not yet over but it is estimated to total 8.55 mhl compared to 8.87 mhl last year. Portuguese production is also expected to be down by 20% this year reaching 5.6 mhl versus 7.0 mhl in 2015 with some regions more affected than others by the weather conditions. In Hungary, producers suffered frost damage but, in the end, losses were not as bad as expected with production estimated at 2.75 mhl, up slightly on 2015. Austrian production is estimated to reach 1.75 mhl which is down on last years’ levels mainly as a result of frost damage. Finally, in the Czech Republic, a good quality vintage is expected but production is forecast to decline to 550, 000 hl from 740, 000 hl in 2015.
Wrapping up, Mr Coste said “Overall, the 2016 harvest is on a par with previous harvests and the quality was good across the board”.
