Italy becomes world’s largest wine producer ahead of France

PARIS: -- Italy has overtaken France to become the world’s largest wine producer this year, according to European Union data.

Moderate weather conditions have resulted in a plentiful grape harvest across the Mediterranean peninsula. Production for 2015 is projected to rise by 13 percent.

The figures submitted to the European Commission in mid-September show total output approaching 50 million hectolitres.

In contrast a heatwave and lack of rainfall in France caused production to decline by one percent. The Burgundy and Beaujolais regions were worst affected.

In the latter case, production fell by a quarter and it’s thought that both areas could see price rises in the coming months.

One reason for the rise in Italian output is simply that the 2014 harvest was particularly bad due to the weather.

Despite this year’s overall good conditions some vineyards were forced to use emergency irrigation in the July heat.

But thanks to a cooler September, the 2015 Italian harvest is set to yield what one producer described as a “pretty good vintage”.


-- (c) Copyright Euronews 2015-10-09

In general I, personally, prefer French wine but Italy was, I believe the first country historically to have produced wine and is geographically half the size of France, so I guess Italy has something to be proud of but then quantity is not the same as quality.

Please dont tell the 'French'' that will bring on a ''Strike'' for sure, marching through the streets with there ''Banners''.., screaming and rioting..

i ain't no wine expert, but i quite enjoy either a ''Californian or South African'' wine... but thats me....

"Wine has been produced for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of wine to date was found in the Republic of Georgia, where 8,000-year-old wine jars were uncovered"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wine

I enjoy wines from many countries around the world and think drinking while dining (not eating) is one of life's more civilized pleasures. Whether the wines are from Australia, Chile, Argentina, California, or Europe. They all make some great wines that are entirely drinkable. Cheers.

France and Italy regularly swap places as the largest producer. Over the last six years, Italy has topped the list on four occasions, and France twice (2011 and 2014), so it is no real surprise to see Italy back up there.

Nothing like a bottle of Barolo.