France’s wine production could slump 20% in 2012 to the lowest in at least 40 years after unfavorable weather and disease damaged vines and grapes. According to the Agriculture Ministry, production is forecast to slide to 40.6 million hectoliters (1.07 billion gallons) from 50.9 million hectoliters in 2011. Output in the Champagne region is predicted to show the biggest drop.
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