French wine producers have been faced by significant decreases in export volumes during the first half of 2008. While there was still growth in value sales, this cannot hide the fact that the wine industry of the Grande Nation faces severe problems.

Export volumes decreased by 8.8 per cent in the first half of 2008, while value sales posted an 8.2 per cent increase. There are significant regional differences: while country wines from the south of France are sitting on the shelves, sparkling wines, not just champagne but cremants as well, as well as top-level Bordeaux wines are much in demand. There have been decreases, too, in Beaujolais and in the Bourgogne appellation. Looking more closely, the value sales, too, would have painted a much more negative picture if one disregards the extreme price increases for the 2005 Bordeaux vintage, which was released onto the market in early 2008. (WF)