The 2016 vintage worldwide saw one of the poorest harvests in the last two decades. According to intergovernmental organization The International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), global wine production was at an estimated 259 million hectoliters, a drastic 5 percent decrease from last year’s 2015 vintage.
Weather, of course, was the biggest contributor to this radical change, with much loss due to the effects of the El Nino current and excessive rain. In France, annual production was down 12 percent, due to the usual suspects: frost, flooding, and excessive dryness in various parts of the country. South American wine production, specifically in Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, all saw a decrease in production.
But it’s not all bad news. The United States, Australia, and New Zealand actually saw increased production. Italy still holds its first-place ranking for highest annual wine production, clocking in at an impressive 48.8 million hectoliters annually, followed by France, at 41.9 mhl and Spain, at 37.8 mhl.
The data was divulged during a press conference held at the headquarters of the OIV by Director General Jean-Marie Aurand.
