Recently, the OIV (International Organization of Vine and Wine) released the new statistics on the world’s wine production 2016 and I believe it is worth sharing these information with you.
Although wine is produced in more than 60 (!) countries of the world, only 3 countries, namely Italy, France and Spain, account for about 50% of total wine production.
Let’s have a closer look at the world’s 10 leading wine producing countries.
Italy
Although Italy suffered from the difficult weather conditions, it could confirm its position as the world’s leading wine producer with 50.9 mhl compared to 50.0 mhl in 2015.
Major grape varieties: Sangiovese, Trebbiano
France
Fierce storms that hit France in important wine regions such as Beaujolais, Bourgogne or Champagne, pushed wine production down by 10% on 45.2 mhl compared to 2015.
Major grape varieties: Merlot, Grenache
Spain
Thanks to the favorable weather, Spain could increase its wine production to 39.2 mhl compared to 37.7 mhl in 2015 and ranks on the third place behind Italy and France.
Major grape varieties: Tempranillo, Garnacha
United States
A higher level of production was recorded in the United States with 23.6 mhl compared to 21.7 mhl in 2015. California accounts for around 60% of total wine production in the U.S. By the way, the US continues to be the largest wine consuming nation followed by France and Germany.
Major grape varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
Australia
Australia’s 2016 vintage recorded the highest production level with 13.1. mhl since 2008. There is a very positive trend in the Australian wine industry, beside of production also sales have increased, which is mainly driven by a “premiumisation” trend in the local market as well a strong demand from Asian markets for premium wines.
Major grape varieties: Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
China
China’s wine production has slightly decreased in 2016 to a production level of 11.4 mhl. The reason for this decrease was on the one hand due to bad weather conditions and on the other hand caused by local growers that started to replace vines with more profitable crops due to small margins and a weak demand for local wines.
Major grape varieties: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon
South Africa
South Africa’s wine production year 2016 with 10.5 mhl will be remembered as a year of challenges. The drought affected many regions. Additionally, the exchange rate was not very favorable throughout the year with the Rand being about 40% weaker compared to previous year. The lower income and cost increases caused a strong pressure on wine producers.
Major grape varieties: Chenin Blanc, Colombard, Cabernet Sauvignon
Chile
Wine production decreased under the influence of El Niño all over South America. Chile recorded a steep fall of wine production by 21% to 10.1 mhl versus 12.9 mhl in 2015. Compared to the previous year, the weather conditions during harvest were wet and cool leading to lower yields and less ripe wines.
Argentina
Like Chile, Argentina’s wine production was also strongly affected by the “El niño” weather phenomenon. The cool and wet weather in April with more than 400% rainfall than usual over 15 days led to the lowest production in the past two decades. With 9.4mhl Argentina recorded a 29% lower production compared to previous years’.
Major Grape Varieties: Malbec, Chardonnay
Germany
In Europe, Germany with a production volume of 9 mhl is the fourth largest producer of wine after Italy, France and Spain. The production volume in 2016 remains more or less constant compared to previous years’. Germany is the world’s biggest wine importer in terms of volume. Based on the value of wine, Germany ranks third behind the US and UK.
Major Grape Varieties: Riesling, Mueller-Thurgau
Outlook 2017
The unfavorable weather conditions in Western Europe in 2017 will probably lead to a historically low wine production. Severe frosts mainly in Italy, France and Germany and to a lesser extent in Spain are likely to cause a dramatic drop in production in 2017. Whereas most of the wine countries of the “New World” such as the US, South America or Australia could increase its production levels.
Please let me know your comments and ideas! I am looking forward to reading from you on our YourWineEstate- Facebook account!
Frauke
Source of picture of 10 Wine Producing countries: Data by OIV (2017) and graph created by Frauke Kausch (2017) (numbers are in million hectoliters)
