by Serenata Wines

Russian wine producers have called on the Government for help, after harsh conditions wiped out around half of their harvest, according to an article published by Decanter.

In what has been called the worst winter for 50 years, temperatures in Russia have plummeted to -30c in some places.

Located in the Krymsk district of Krasnodar, Chateau Le Grand Vostock has recorded average temperatures of -15c over 15 days - leaving grape harvests seriously affected.

Winery director, Frank Duseigneur, stated: "It is really the limit of resistance for vitis vinifera - especially Merlot - even if we cultivate them with a plough.

"The weather is milder and we are now pruning again... The reality of the damage will only be seen in May," he added.

Abrau-Druso also suffered from the harsh conditions, with Pavel Titov stating that while it was too early to assess the full extent of the damage, he forecast that around 40 to 50 per cent of their harvest in the area had been lost.

He said: "Right now it is difficult to speculate how much, but everybody was on the brink of a wipe-out."

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