Whilst the majority of us Brits enjoy a glass or two of good wine and, indeed, our consumption has been rising, the French winemaking industry is experiencing its deepest crisis for a century and a half. Over the past decade their business was hit hard by the "new world" wines coming from Australia, California, South Africa, Chile and even some parts of Russia and China.

Domestic sales of French wine, with the exception of rosé, boosted by last year's long hot summer, fell by 5% in 2003, continuing a trend that began around three decades ago. Apparently the average Frenchman's intake of wine has dropped by almost 50% since the late '60s.

What's more the crucial French wine export mark per se took a 10% tumble in 2003 although the really high quality wines and champagnes showed nearly 7% increase.

So in a desperate move to reverse this trend the Institut National de Appellations d'Origine which runs the appellation d'origine controlée (AOC) scheme is to create an "elite" wine category to be given the AOCE mark for d'excellence.

Also the specific and often arcane AOC rules are to be rewritten to enable French winemakers to employ the identical advanced production methods adopted by their worldwide competitors.

This will not worry British vinters though because many of them are increasing sales regardless and as global warming raises temperatures in the UK we are set for, not only a rosé future but vin blanc and rouge one as well!

[ENDS]

Andrew Leech, Cross Reference Tel: 01753 884216