Wine producers in Alsace have agreed to lower yields on a hectolitre-per-hectare basis for the 2005 harvest in response to poor market conditions.
These will decrease from 86 to 80 hcl/ha with the exception of the cremants, which have been less affected in the downturn.
The producers association, AVA, said it had adopted a policy of producing less in order to keep prices stable rather than risk downward pressures by maintaining output at the same level.
Grape-picking began today (7 September) and will run to the end of the month.
The Alsace wine trade federation, CIVA, reports that the region's vineyards as whole are in "a very healthy state."
Sectors: Wine
