Only a few weeks ago the worst was feared,the disappearance of half the vineyards of the Pyrenees Orientales,estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 hectares thanks to the large plan to eradicate the vines wanted by the State to alleviate a more than congested wine market.The ambition then was to remove 30,000 hectares in France, at the rate of 4,000 euros of grubbing-up aid per hectare.
Tho,the landing was less brutal than expected in Roussillon,in a vineyard devastated by two years of drought. The requests concern “only” 2,614 hectares, mostly tired vineyards.
The map of the uprooting of vines produced by FranceAgriMer allows us to take stock of the landscape change that will take place in the department. With the exception of Cru Banyuls, almost no wine-growing municipalities will be spared and some will lose almost all their vineyards. This is the case of Alenya, Laroque des Albères, Castelnou, Canohès, Saint-Jean Pla de Cors and Vinça. Even the large customary areas will see their wine-growing surfaces eroded considerably, between 25 and 50% for Estagel, Fourques, Montescot or between 15 and 25% of the surfaces as in the case of Tautavel, Rivesaltes, Salses-le-Château , Baixas.
124 business interruptions
700 hectares affected are white grape varieties, Muscat of Alexandria or Petit Grain. Another lesson drawn from the data made public last week at the basin committee, 90% of the uprooted areas of the Pyrenees Orientales will be under denomination, 8% under protected geographical indication.The balance between cooperatives and private wineries is respected, 53% of the vines uprooted were destined for cooperative wineries.
In total, 458 practices were submitted in the Eastern pyrenees, of which 124 were for total eradication and cessation of viticultural activity. “from what we can imagine, the vines that will be uprooted will, for manny, be those that have been very damaged by the drought of the last two years”, specifies Julien Thiery, head of the wine service of the department’s Chamber of Agriculture. Last year he estimated between 100 and 1,500 hectares (about 10%) of mortality caused by lack of water.
The economic situation also continues to worsen.Between November 2023 and November 2024,bulk sales of Côtes du Roussillon red wines fell by more than 60%.
What are the main challenges currently facing vineyards in the Pyrenees Orientales?
Interview: the Future of Vineyards in the Pyrenees orientales
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us, Julien Thiery, the head of the wine service at the Chamber of Agriculture in the Eastern Pyrenees. Recent reports show alarming figures regarding the uprooting of vineyards in the region. Can you provide a brief overview of the current situation?
Julien Thiery: Certainly! Just a few weeks ago,ther were fears of losing between 5,000 too 8,000 hectares of vineyards in the Pyrenees Orientales due to a state plan aimed at alleviating the oversaturated wine market in France. While the impact was less severe than initially anticipated—2,614 hectares of requests were submitted—the situation is still critical.Many of these vineyards are quite tired and have suffered from two years of drought.
Editor: That’s a significant reduction.How are the vineyards that remain likely to be impacted?
Julien Thiery: The mapping from FranceAgriMer indicates a substantial change in the vineyard landscape. Crucially, nearly all wine-growing municipalities are facing losses, with some like Alenya and Laroque des Albères perhaps losing almost all their vineyards. Larger areas are also not spared, with some municipalities experiencing a decrease of 25 to 50% in vineyard space.
Editor: With such drastic changes ahead, what are the implications for local wineries and cooperatives?
Julien Thiery: The implications are profound. Out of the uprooted areas, 700 hectares consist of white grape varieties like Muscat of alexandria. While cooperatives and private wineries are experiencing a fairly balanced impact—with 53% of uprooted vines linked to cooperatives—the overall decline in vineyard surfaces could tighten supply and increase competition among remaining wineries.
Editor: We’ve also heard concerning news about plummeting sales. Can you elaborate on this?
Julien Thiery: yes, the economic situation is deteriorating further. Between November 2023 and November 2024, bulk sales of Côtes du Roussillon red wines dropped by over 60%. This dramatic decline showcases the urgent need for wineries to reconsider their production strategies and perhaps diversify their offerings.
Editor: For our readers who may be vineyard owners or involved in the wine industry,what practical advice can you provide during this tumultuous time?
Julien Thiery: First and foremost,it’s essential for vineyard owners to assess the condition of their vines and consider seeking support through the state’s grubbing-up aid program if their vineyards are no longer viable. Additionally, exploring diversification—whether through different grape varieties or option revenue streams—can help sustain operations. Networking with local cooperatives can also provide support and shared resources.
Editor: Thank you, Julien. Your insights highlight the challenges facing the vineyards in the Pyrenees Orientales but also offer a glimmer of hope for industry resilience. As the situation develops, we look forward to staying informed on the evolving landscape of wine production in this region.
Julien Thiery: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going to support the wine community during these challenging times.
