Hailstorms wreak havoc on Cognac vineyards

Severe storms, including hailstones, inflicted “considerable” damage to the French Cognac region over the weekend affecting approximately 7% of vineyards.

Cognac vineyards were affected by hailstones, wind and heavy rain on 27 May 2016

Hailstones, wind and heavy rain occurred on Friday 27 May, damaging around 5,000 to 6,000 hectares of vineyards.

Reports suggest the region witnessed 27.5mm of rain and almost 15cm of hail fall in 15 minutes in affected areas.

A statement posted on the Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac (BNIC) website said: “The size of hail and rainfall intensity caused considerable damage. The plots are affected to varying degrees.

“Furthermore, the wind itself has broken many branches.

“The hail will result in a loss of harvest in 2016.”

It is thought the damage could also have a negative impact on 2017’s harvest.

The BNIC plans to bring together appropriate trade bodies and professional partners on Thursday to implement measures to help those affected by the storms.