The fungal disease mildew could affect Bordeaux more seriously this year than it did in 2007, and could even exceed the record year of 1988.

The French Institut Technique de la Vigne et du Vin has warned grapes in Bordeaux are likely to be dramatically affected. Experts certainly estimate the risk of mildew is much higher at this stage than it was in 2007, which was already a problematical year, and have said they cannot exclude the incidence could be even worse in extent than in the extreme 1988 vintage.

The reasons for the threat are to be found in the relatively high rainfall in spring, coupled with above-average temperatures in May - ideal conditions for the spread of mildew. (WF)