Wine: The 2020 vintage arrives “in a Cadillac”

The health crisis and climatic conditions have had a strong impact on the wine and its 2020 vintage. Nevertheless, despite a strong year of ups and downs, the harvests are positive. Marketing and consumption are more impacted, especially with the uncertainties regarding the holiday season

Cadillac Harvest and Wine, a Special Year

2020 has not been an easy year for many sectors. Suffering from the vagaries of climate and the health crisis of COVID-19, the harvest is part of it. Faced with consequence losses every year, especially due to extreme temperatures, winemakers are suffering from climate change. The frost is particularly dreaded but so is the strong heat.

Thus, the frost in April, then the hail events and finally the droughts, punctuated the year in a particularly intense way. Nevertheless, the harvest in the Bordeaux region could take place, even if they were ahead this year (1). As of 1 August, the estimated harvest was between 44.7 and 45.7 million hectolitres across the country (2). This represents an increase of about 6% compared to 2019.

vines harvests vintage wine
Extensive vines, representative of the 2020 vintage.

Cadillac wines are part of Bordeaux wines and are well known. Despite a complicated year for the wine and wine sector, it is nevertheless unique in terms of aromas. Thus, the 2020 vintage is not comparable because the climatic vagaries suffered have made it singular. This can be seen in both degrees, PH and acidity. The aromas and colours are unique for quality wines.

Wine sales impacted by health crisis

Despite a vintage that was finally promising and of quality, the health crisis still had an impact on the sector. Indeed, marketing seems somewhat compromised. Cité du Vin closed, wine fairs cancelled, bar and restaurant closures, COVID-19 is leading a tough life in the sector… This is despite some initiatives such as wine in Drive.

Nevertheless, it is also the complex situation of international trade, with the strict introduction of taxes, that impacts sales. In fact, in 2019, more than 13 billion euros in export sales were recorded (3). This figure is not insignificant but in sharp decline during the year 2020. First, caused by the U.S. export tax on wines and spirits that caused a 26% drop in sales value (4). Then there is the health crisis and restrictions on international trade.

In addition, the overall consumption of the French is experiencing a sharp decrease. Known as the 2nd most wine consuming country in the world, France has been declining for 30 years (3). Indeed, strongly favored during aperitifs and dinners the wine is a true tradition. However, replaced by water during meals, this consumption decreases (5). Despite the installation of the dynamics of “better drinking”, wine will always remain the pleasure of the French. Thus, drunk mainly for pleasure, wine becomes more of a drink for particular occasions (5).

 

Sources:

  1. Press release, A vintage like no other, Cadillac, October 20, 2020
  2. Wine production 2020 estimated, as of 1 August, between 44.7 and 45.7 million hectolitres, Agreste, July 2020
  3. Key figures,CNIV, 2019
  4. For FEVS, the state remains deaf to the demands of French wine exporters, release of June 2020
  5. Study, Better Understanding Wine Deconsommation, July 2020

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