Wine was the focus of Wednesday morning’s edition of ‘Invité vun der Redaktioun’ on RTL Radio, where the director André Mehlen of Domaines Vinsmoselle confirmed that the cooperative is shrinking.
Worldwide, people are drinking less alcohol, a trend also seen in Luxembourg. At the same time, winegrowers are facing a generational succession problem, similar to that affecting farmers, particularly among those who supply Vinsmoselle.
After several financially difficult years marked by high interest rates on debt and small harvests, this year’s balance sheet is expected to break even, according to Mehlen. In terms of turnover, Vinsmoselle sold smaller quantities, but at a better price.
The cooperative is currently at a financial turning point, continued Mehlen. Restructuring is under way and the outlook is positive. As part of these changes, the board of directors has been reduced, with the aim of making the cooperative easier to manage.
Looking ahead, Mehlen expects the vineyard surface area of Domaines Vinsmoselle to be between 350 and 400 hectares. To retain winegrowers who deliver their grapes to the cooperative, bonuses have been increased.
Mehlen also criticised the government’s call to take part in Dry January.
Domaines Vinsmoselle are aligning themselves with Horesca, which has argued that governments should inform people about the risks of excessive alcohol consumption, but should not encourage them to stop drinking altogether. Mehlen recalled that Moselle winegrowers commit themselves to moderate consumption.
Meanwhile, the cooperative produces two still wines and two sparkling wines without alcohol, a segment for which demand is rising. Against this backdrop, Mehlen does not expect significant red wine production along the Moselle, despite warmer temperatures.
Instead, Domaines Vinsmoselle want to focus on fruity white wines with a lower alcohol content.
