Vineyards in Madiran and Pacherenc du Vic Bilh, two appellations in France’s secret South West, were hit by violent hailstorms on the evening of 24 May. In some places the sheet of hail on the ground was up to 20cm deep. Assessment of the damage is continuing but it looks as if up to 40 per cent of the vineyard area has been affected, with some producers losing their entire crop. The region was badly affected by hail in June last year too, and local producers are meeting to discuss what actions they can take for now and for...