Wine regions across France are beginning to assess the quality potential of the 2010 vintage, and while expectations are not quite so high as for the lauded Bordeaux 2009, producers are still expecting an excellent year.

According to decanter.com, the heat and rain after flowering in May has led to some degree of "coulure", where the grapes do not develop well after flowering.

Paul Avril of Clos des Papes in Chateauneuf-du-Pape told the website that he expects to see a "more classic vintage" with a later harvest than last year, while in Burgundy Sylvain Pitiot of Clos de Tart said a "super month" in July will help to speed things up.

"For the moment, the outlook is superb... the vines are magnificent and the harvest looks to be abundant," added Veronique Saunders of chateau Haut Bailly.

It follows news that Champagne producers have agreed to an increase in yield of 700kg/ha compared with last year.