Italy to Lose Top Wine Producer Status to France as Extreme Weather and Disease Slash Output

Wine output in Italy expected to fall 12% this year to below 44 million hectolitres due to extreme weather and fungal diseases.
Drop means Italy will lose position as world's largest wine producer to France for first time in 9 years.
Northern regions see small increase but central and southern regions see drops of ~20% and ~30% respectively.
Disease called grape downy mildew, caused by fungus plasmopara viticola, impacted grapes.
Despite decline in output, wine quality not expected to be compromised, with existing stock levels high.

reuters.com

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