Global wine production this year is expected to be among the lowest in two decades due to climatic events such as El Nino, experts have warned.
According to The International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), wine production is expected to fall by five per cent because of "climatic events" causing steep drops in production in most of the southern hemisphere, particularly Chile and Argentina.
The output will reach 259.5 million hectoliters (mhl) this year, making 2016 one of the lowest production years in the past two decades, the organisation has estimated.
While the amount of wine produced should meet consumer demand, the figures are a reminder of how global warming and natural climate variability are having a profound effect on wine, and perhaps where it will be grown in future, OIV said.
The organisation estimated that Italy will be the lead producer with 48.8 mhl, a decrease of two per cent from 2015. It will be followed by France, with 12 per cent reduction at 41.9 mhl and Spain with 37.8 mhl.
The most precipitous declines are set to be in South America. Production is estimated to have plummeted by 35 per cent in Argentina and 21 per cent in Chile.
South Africa is set to report a 19 per cent fall, but the news is better for Australia and New Zealand, which are expected to increase production by five per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
The OIV said the predicted overall decline was strongly affected by climatic events, 'The Guardian' reported.
"The El Nino climate phenomenon seems to be back in Latin America, where production was affected by fairly exceptional weather, with lots of rain," said Jean-Marie Aurand, chief executive, OIV.
El Nino is a climate cycle in the Pacific Ocean, which occurs every four to five years, affecting rainfall patterns.
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