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Paris - France was knocked off the top spot for wine production by Italy in the latest global figures from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, released on Wednesday.
Global wine production was up 2.0% on last year, to 275.7 million hectolitres (Mhl), although the organisation was still waiting for confirmed figures from China and Russia.
Italy regained first place, which it lost to France last year, with production of 48.9 Mhl, up 10% on 2014.
France grew by just 1.0% to 47.4 Mhl, way ahead of third-placed Spain on 36.6 Mhl.
Following the Europeans were the big wine-growers across the Atlantic: the United States (22.1 Mhl), Argentina (13.3 Mhl) and a record year for Chile, whose production was up 23% to 12.8 Mhl.
They were followed by wine growers from Australia (12 Mhl), South Africa (11.3 Mhl) and New Zealand (2.3 Mhl).
The report from International Organisation of Vine and Wine, based in France, said the global market was in balance, with enough to cover global personal consumption and use by manufacturers which use wine to make vinegar, brandy and vermouth.
"Issuers have to ensure that they understand the risks, as well as the benefits, of increased usage of market-based finance - not least those new issuers that have only experienced exceptionally supportive conditions."
