Hail-Hit Bordeaux Growers Protest Over Lack of Aid
Date£º
2014-03-13 10:51 Source£º
winesearcher Author:
AFP with additional reporting by Zara Tempest Cole Translator:
Bordeaux wine producers hit by a freak hailstorm last year demonstrated in Libourne on Wednesday, to protest against what they consider a lack of support from authorities.
Vineyards in Entre-deux-Mers devastated by hailstorms
The group SOS Vignerons, which was formed following the hailstorm on August 2, 2013, has slammed the government for failing to offer them enough assistance.
Dominique Techer, secretary of SOS Vignerons said: "In total, the financial aid amounted to five million euros (US$6.7m) but losses are estimated to be between 150 and 200 million euros (US$208m-$278m)."
The storm covered an area 30 kilometers long and 10km wide, causing varying levels of damage across 15 to 20,000 hectares (37 to 49,400 acres). Some 7,000ha (17,290 acres) of vineyard were completely destroyed.
Many measures have been implemented by the local and national government. Authorities estimate the aid packages were worth 25m euros (US$34m).
However, Techer claimed the assistance offered to growers has been ineffective and growers expect "direct payments, which could add up to 17m euros (US$24m)." He added: "before the hailstorm, there were 2000 growers in the red. Today, we are on the verge of a systemic crisis."
Grand Cru Estates Help Affected Growers
In a bid to raise funds for winemakers affected by the hailstorm in the Castillon Cotes de Bordeaux appellation, a group of Bordeaux's best producers are digging out their top wines for a charity auction.
The idea was conceived by wine consultants Christine and Stephane Derenoncourt. More than 50 grand cru estates have come to the party by donating wines dating as far back as 1979.
The special auction will be held at Hotel Le Bristol in Paris on April 29, and it is hoped it will raise 100,000 euros (US$139,000).
Highlights of the auction include six bottles of 2011 Chateau Haut-Brion with an average price of $568 on Wine-Searcher.com per bottle (ex.tax), three magnums of 2005 Ausone valued at $2,281 (average price per 750ml bottle ex.tax), and a single magnum of 2009 Cheval Blanc, currently retailing at $1,335 per 750ml bottle.
All funds raised through the auction will be distributed to winegrowers by the Association Viticole Intercommunale du Castillonnais (AVIC).