France's 2012 grape harvest 'exceptionally small'

France's 2012 grape harvest will be "exceptionally small" at 42.5 million hectolitres, Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll said Thursday. After talks with wine industry representatives, Le Foll said this year's harvest would give the lowest volumes since 1991. Last year's harvest was at 51 million hectolitres. The lower volumes are "a situation that is being seen at the global level," Le Foll said at a press conference. Wine industry representatives at the press conference said the lower volumes were the result of cooler weather in recent months that had damaged vines. But they said this year's vintage looked "promising".