The Charente Scene – Summer 2014

Storms hit Charente again

Once again the weather has played a major role in the Charente. A big storm has blown up over the region and caused substantial damage to the vines, in some cases stripping them of all their leaves. Fortunately, much of the Grande Champagne region has been spared with just the extreme western side affected. Some vineyards have lost 100% of this year’s harvest whilst others have only lost 10%. It seems that there was a safe corridor from north to south where little damage was done but producers are already counting the cost of the storm.

One of the effects of bad weather is a reduction in supply which ultimately creates an increase in price. The slow down in sales to the Far East has reduced the pressure on prices so far this year and so, with the holiday period approaching, the weather is unlikely to have a major effect now.  However, some reports of price increases have been received so we’ll keep our fingers crossed!