Burgundy producers request government aid as 3,000 hectares damaged

Burgundy Hail in Volnay June 2014

(Image credit: Burgundy Hail in Volnay June 2014)

Producers across Burgundy have asked government officials for help in the form of tax relief, subsidies and funding to increase anti-hail measures, following a devastating hailstorm on Saturday.

Hail has caused major damage in Burgundy (Image: Daniel Etienne Defaix, Volnay)

Thiébault Hubert, president of the Volnay Vintners Association, told Decanter.com that alongside tax relief and subsidies, the producers would be requesting assistance in the form of funding for anti-hail generators and the potential introduction of anti-hail nets.

‘I hope that we get some commitment for aid because last year there was a lot of nice talk, but not much happened,’ he added.

Although an estimate for monetary damages has not yet been released, Hubert reported over 3,000 hectares of vines destroyed.

‘Pommard really got whacked,’ said Beaune-based vintner Alex Gambal. ‘It’s very disheartening, as we had a spectacular start with vines in beautiful condition and perfect weather since March 1.’

More meetings are scheduled within the next week to examine possible solutions and relief for the damages sustained, Hubert said.

Reported vineyard damage by appellation:

Pommard: 70-90% damage

Volnay: 60-80% damage

Meursault: 10 to 20% damage, but up to 80% for some premiers crus

Beaune: 15-100% damage

Monthelie: between 30-70% damaged

Corton (grand cru): 30-50% damaged

Puligny: 1er Crus damaged between 30-40%, grands crus suffered up to 20% damage

Aloxe-Corton: 10-40% damaged

Chassagne including grands crus: 5-10% damaged

Saint Aubin: About 20% damaged, especially premiers crus

Auxey: 10-60% damaged

Ladoix: up to 40% damaged, especially higher elevation climates

Savigny: 5 to 30% damaged

Pernand: 10-25% damaged, especially the premiers crus

Vosne/Flagey: Between 5 and 20%

Chambolle: Between 5 and 20%

Clos de Vougeot: About 20%

Written by Panos Kakaviatos

Panos Kakaviatos has been a published wine writer since 2001, writing in internationally recognized media including Decanter, but also Harpers Wine & Spirit, Meiningers Wine Business International and The World of Fine Wine.