Hail damage a blow to Chablis wine producers

Some bad news for lovers of Chablis: supplies are likely to be reduced and prices could be higher from the 2024 vintage.

The renowned French wine region this week confirmed that damage caused by a hail storm earlier this month caused "considerable" damage.

Some areas suffered losses of up to 80%, a statement issued by regional wine body the BIVB said.

A statement from the BIVB assessing the damage three weeks after the weather incident said that around 1,000 hectares of vines were affected - roughly a sixth of the Chablis appellation, which covers approximately 5,800 hectares and comprises 20 village communes.

Chablis grand cru climats Vaumur, Vaudésir, Moutonne and Preuses were thought to be among the worst-hit sites, the BIVB said when the hail struck, however the the villages of Fontenay-près-Chablis, Villy and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne have seen the biggest damage.

There was also damage in Chablis, Maligny, Beine and Lignorelles, with some vineyards in Chablis Grand Cru and Chablis Premier Cru also affected.

It has been estimated that around 400 ha of vines were affected by losses of more than 80%, it said, although the damage was “ultra-localised”, drinks business reported.

The BIVB pointed out that after two good harvests in 2022 and 2023, the levels of reserves - especially for the Petit Chablis and Chablis appellations - would help to mitigate the impact of the storm.