The small 2012 harvest will be “fatal” to more than 200 vignerons in Beaujolais, according to Bourgogne Aujourd’hui. The size of the crop, around 400,000 hectoliters versus 850,000 hl in a normal year, will accelerate the demise of some domaines, particularly those “already in difficulty,” according to Thierry Saint-Cyr, Secretary General of the Union des Vignerons du Beaujolais. The threat will be mitigated to some extent by an increase in prices.

The article explains that the region, which suffered from excess production not long ago, now finds itself facing a significant shortage. While an unprecedented number of estates may fail, the magazine notes, those who survive will be strengthened and are in a position to rebound from a period of crisis for the region.