(TDB) - Eliminating the use of copper as a fungicide in vineyards will be the biggest issue for the wine business over the next 10 years, believes Hervé Jestin, head winemaker for Champagne Leclerc Brian

Speaking to the drinks business last night at a tasting and dinner to mark the Champagne’s tie-up with Berry Bros & Rudd – which will now distribute Leclerc Briant in the UK – Jestin outlined what he believed would be the greatest challenge for vintners over the next decade.

“Today, the huge problem is the use of copper, which we use a lot to kill mildew, and eliminating the use of copper will be the main subject of the next 10 years,” he said.

As Champagne’s only 100% organic négociant, Jestin is reliant on the use of copper to control mildew infection in the vines, because the heavy metal is permitted under the agricultural practice, but not synthetic chemical treatments.