French Wine and Champagne Shortages: Other Options to Try

What Has Caused This Wine Shortage in France?

So, it can pretty much be summed up in two words: weird weather. Throughout 2021, winemakers across France have really been put through the wringer, contending with unseasonal frosts, destructive hail storms and fungus-attacked grapes. This has led to the winemaking powerhouse that is France suffering its worst year and lowest annual output of wine in decades.

Which Regions Have Been Affected?

Famous regions such as Bordeaux and Languedoc were hit by unexpected frosts in the spring, which killed off sections of the vineyards that had started to flourish. In early spring, southern France had experienced unusual spells of warm weather, which meant grapes were budding earlier than usual – but this promising start to the growing season was quickly shattered by a plunge in temperature which damaged the fruit that had begun to grow.

Further north, in the Champagne region, vineyards had a tough time surviving a bizarre spell of weather from late spring through to summer. Here, the severe frosts were followed by heavy rain in the summer, which caused mildew fungus to form on the grapes, meaning they were too shrivelled and damaged to be harvested. This caused the iconic region to produce around 36% less Champagne than it would in a normal year.

Meanwhile, in Burgundy and Beaujolais, vineyards were not only hit by the devastating spring frosts, but also by hail storms and disease striking much of the fruit that had survived the challenging weather. All of this has meant Burgundy-Beaujolais has been the hardest hit area of France, with wine output dropping by nearly 50% compared to previous years!

What Does This All Mean?

Well, yes, certain areas of France have produced less wine than usual this year, but it is an issue that only relates to the 2021 harvest. So the good news is that this is very much a short term situation (hooray!).

Not only that, but wineries across these prestigious regions have plenty of vino stocked up in their cellars from previous vintages, along with strong contingency plans in place to protect themselves from this sort of thing – so, there’s never any chance of these wines completely running out.

We do think, however, that there’s no harm in finding excellent quality alternative wines to have up your sleeve, and see this more as a great opportunity to discover new wines while our usual French favourites are in limited supply – especially Champagne and Beaujolais. So, if you’re a lover of fine French wine and open to exploring similar styles from other parts of the world, then read on!

Wines That Are Similar to Champagne

Since the French invented Champagne in the late 1600s, winemakers around the world who have realised they are based in a region that shares a similar climate and terroir to the Champagne region have started producing their own sparkling wines.

Inspired by the iconic French bubbly, these sparkling wines often feature the same blend of grape varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier), and are made using the traditional Champagne production method. Couple this with the weather and soil being similar to Champagne, and you’ve got some truly stunning sparkling wines that are, stylistically, extremely close to our favourite French fizz.

Champagne Alternative: English Sparkling Wine

Many English wine regions, such as Sussex, share geographical similarities to Champagne, proving to be sweet spots for premium sparkling wine production. The cooler climate here means that English winemakers can create fresh, lively brut that possesses that trademark acidity you get in a good Champagne. While the limestone and chalk soils (the same type of terroir you’ll find in Champagne’s vineyards), and the fact the same grape varieties are used, mean that the flavours and nuances in the wine resemble Champers too.

Browse English Sparkling Wine here.

Champagne Alternative: Cava

Cava is Spain’s answer to Champagne. Produced in the Spanish wine region of Catalunya, this sparkling wine is dry and zesty with a crisp acidity. Very similar in body and style to its famous French counterpart, Cava is made in the exact same way, but uses local Spanish grape varieties in the blend instead. Definitely worth a try if you’re a fan of drier styles of sparkling wine.

Browse Cava here.

Wines That Are Similar to Beaujolais

Beaujolais is such a unique and well-loved, light and refreshing red. Being one of the worst hit areas this year, we know fans of this gorgeous Gamay-based wine will be keen to learn about alternatives they could try instead. Well, fear not, we’ve got a couple of cracking suggestions for you that share similar qualities to the fabulous French beauty!

Beaujolais Alternative: New Zealand Pinot Noir

A good grape variety to turn to if you enjoy the light body and elegant palate of Beaujolais is Pinot Noir. Grown in Burgundy (the region that the Beaujolais appellation is often considered part of), Pinot Noir is a thin-skinned grape that produces light-bodied wines resembling Beaujolais wine. It’s a very fussy grape, and won’t grow just anywhere! The conditions have to be just right, meaning regions that are fortunate enough to grow it all have a similar climate to Burgundy-Beaujolais. New Zealand produces wonderfully elegant Pinot Noir, offering light, smooth and fruity reds that tick all the boxes.

Browse New Zealand Pinot Noir here.

Beaujolais Alternative: German Pinot Noir

For excellent quality Pinot Noir, it’s always a safe bet to look to German wine regions. Known as Spätburgunder in Germany, Pinot Noir has become synonymous with this country, with an annual output that’s only just behind France’s. Beaujolais is light-bodied with low tannins and high acidity – which is exactly what you’ll find in a German Pinot Noir thanks to the climate there. Fresh and fruit-driven, it’s everything you’d look for in a bottle of Beaujolais.

Browse German red wines here.

Wines That Are Similar to Bordeaux

Ok, so, Bordeaux hasn’t been as badly affected by the erratic weather of 2021, but it’s always interesting to discover other parts of the world that are producing outstanding Bordeaux style wines. This time we’re looking to New World countries that have taken inspiration from one of France’s most esteemed regions.

Bordeaux Alternative: Chilean Cabernet Blend

In recent years, Chile has really put itself firmly on the map as a producer of top-notch Bordeaux-inspired blends. The two classic grape varieties that famously feature in most Bordeaux reds are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and it’s these two grapes that Chile has embraced the most, along with other grapes found in Bordeaux like Carménère and Malbec. Adopting French winemaking techniques too, Chilean vintners are really paying homage to France, and it certainly shows in their beautifully crafted, Old World style reds.

Browse Chilean red wine here.