Luxembourg's vineyards have been put through the ringer this year, having to cope through high amounts of frost, grape disease, a lack of rain, and the heat.
Whilst the quality of the grapes will remain high, this year's grape harvest will be smaller than previous years. Last year's wine harvest turned out quite well, in spite of or even because of the drought.
However, this yea'rs harvest will have fewer grapes due to various reasons. Minister of Viticulture Romain Schneider looked back at the year in a report with winegrowers.
The first issue to plague winegrowers this year was the frequent bouts of frost damaging grapevines. After this, vines were then subject to the "Esca" grape disease, which caused further damage to grape quantities. In the latest heatwave, winegrowers saw some vines burn, and there was insufficient rainfall.
The president of Luxembourg's private winegrowers, Ern Schumacher - a winemaker for 45 years - , estimated that it would take six to seven years for the water balance to be restored.
Winegrowers are at least insured against losses resulting from frost damage, which is estimated at 40%, but discussions with insurers remain ongoing.
As of a 2014 law, the state will be reimbursing winegrowers for 65% of the insurance. Minister Romain Schneider affirmed that costs lay at the million mark.
As for the heatwave and the grape disease, winegrowers are unable to do much to combat the issues. Schumacher said they have to learn to handle with nature and adapt to the challenges arising from nature, such as the impact resulting from climate change.
