(EuroNews) - World wine production rose sharply last year, even as global consumption stagnated.

South Africa, Chile, New Zealand and Spain increased their output the most.

Total production was up by 8.5 percent compared to 2012.

Three European countries – Italy, Spain and France – account for 47 percent of the wine produced in the world.

And last year Spain boosted its production by 31 percent, overtaking France.

Last year Italy turned out almost 50 million hectolitres, Spain 42.7 million and France 42 million. The United States was the fourth largest producer with 22 million hectolitres. Just one hectolitre produces 133 bottles.

Responding to overproduction, the European Union has in the past restricted vine planting and has promoted grapes that produce better quality wine.

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine, which put out the production figures, says consumption is recovering after the decline following the 2008 economic crisis.