The vine disease Flavescence dorée is continuing to spread in France. It leads to yellowing, growth disorders, and yield losses. Affected vines are no longer suitable for wine production and must be uprooted. According to reports from the industry magazine Vitisphere, the disease first appeared in 42 municipalities in Champagne in 2025. Over 10,000 vines tested positive, compared to 10,500 the previous year. A total of 66 municipalities are now affected, up from 27 in 2024. According to the industry association Comité Champagne, all wine-growing municipalities are now involved in monitoring the disease, which is transmitted by the American vine leafhopper.

The insects spread through their flights or through plant residues on vine pruning and defoliation machines. Chardonnay, one of the most important varieties in the region, is considered particularly susceptible. Therefore, Comité Champagne established an operational unit in 2024 to coordinate the fight against the vine leafhopper. The goal is that no single parcel remains unmonitored for more than two years. Since the inspections are very time-consuming, Comité Champagne is working with the University of Reims on an automated system for disease detection.

The disease is increasingly affecting wine-growing areas in the Loire, especially Anjou-Saumur. There, the required reports and treatments are expected to have contained further spread in 2025. In the Bourgueil area, however, a total of 22 new parcels were confirmed as infested in 2025. The local consortium has now introduced fines of 100 euros per hectare for winemakers who do not participate in the joint inspections.

(al; Image: Wikimedia Commons)

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