Edition of July 21, 2026

Bordeaux wine sales fall below 3 million hectolitres for the first time in decades

Bordeaux producers shipped 2.98 million hectoliters in the 12 months ending in March 2026, down 12% from the previous year and pushing annual sales below 3 million hectoliters for the first time in decades.

Source: Vinetur The Crisis

Drought: "The plant is trying to save its skin rather than its crop"

Heatwaves and drought have stalled vine growth, with vines putting survival ahead of their fruit. Producers are bracing for a small harvest, and the coming rain will decide how many vines are lost.

Source: terredevins.com The Vintage