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)
Some 100 vintners met with Beaune sub-prefect Anne Frackowiak-Jacobs on Monday evening to assess damages. On Tuesday evening, newly elected Beaune prefect Eric Delzant toured some of the damaged vineyards.
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
