Wine production in France could fall 16% to 42.9 million hectoliters in 2012, due to chaotic weather.
The Ministry of Agriculture is forecasting a fall to the lowest level in four years. Heat waves and storms in the South and East has led them to lower their estimates.
At the same time Champagne production was affected by frost and particularly virulent attacks of mildew and other fungi. Even more dire predictions come from the Interprofessional Committee of Champagne (CIVC), who are predicting one of the smallest harvests in twenty years.
Fingers crossed that the quality is there for what little is left.