Heatwaves are ruining French vineyards – while English wine enjoys a golden age

The record-breaking heatwave in June is scorching French vineyards (Picture: Doucelin/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)

Not since the Battle of Trafalgar has the mood been quite so different on both sides of the Channel.

Up and down French wine country, scorching heat – including the 40C highs seen last month – has damaged vineyards and ruined the world-renowned taste of their grapes.

But in the English home counties, and beyond, hotter temperatures have helped produce the highest-quality wine and largest yields ever seen.

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