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Alsace sales up in the UK following three successive years of low yields

Published:  21 October, 2016

Sales of Alsace wines to the UK have jumped according to the latest figures released by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA) - an encouraging sign for the region which has suffered a string of small harvests in recent years.

Sales of Alsace wines to the UK have jumped according to the latest figures released by the Conseil Interprofessionnel des Vins d'Alsace (CIVA) - an encouraging sign for the region which has suffered a string of small harvests in recent years.

The increase in sales (up +6.7% by volume to September 1, 2016 and +8.8% by value to August 1, 2016), puts the UK ahead of Alsace's neighbours in Switzerland to become the eighth biggest export market.

Crémant d'Alsace, - the region's sparkling wine, which is currently marking its 40th anniversary of official AOC status - saw a sizeable +76.9% volume increase (to September 1, 2016) in exports to the UK.

In contrast to other areas of France which are currently facing drastically reduced harvest yields, Alsace is reporting a return to normal vintage volumes following a "very good but small" volume vintage in 2015.

Last year's vintage marked the third successive year of low-yields, with stocks falling to their lowest point in cellars.

Around 1.15 million hectolitres are expected - just enough to replenish stock.

According to the CIVA, heavy rainfall during the first three months of 2016 marked the end of prolonged period of dry weather throughout summer and autumn 2015.

By the start of April, 360mm of rain was recorded - markedly more than in recent years.

After some low temperatures and hoarfrosts at the beginning of spring, temperatures rose again towards the start of May, allowing the vegetative cycle some recovery time.

Humidity and rain continue to pose challenges throughout the summer.

August was rounded off with a heatwave which helped to maintain a satisfactory health status.

From sample analysis, producers reported healthy grapes with "interesting levels of acidity".

Following a challenging year, initial observations are that the Pinots Gris appears to be one of the successes of this year's vintage, with the Crémant wines not far behind.

Export manager Foulques Aulagnon said: "The Pinot Blancs and Sylvaners are light and fruity. The Muscats are proving very aromatic and crisp. The first juices of Pinot Noirs are deep in colour with ripe tannins.

"As for the first harvest Gewurztraminer, they are very typical, with notes of exotic fruits. The excellent climactic conditions of this late season and the perfect health of the berries should allow for perfect ripening of the Gewurztraminer and above all, Riesling."

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