France’s Champagne faces record-early harvest after brutal growing season

Lille, August 13 - Champagne region in France has commenced its earliest grape harvest ever after a series of scorching heatwaves hastened ripening, reported officials. The announcement of the official harvest dates, below which harvesting is not permitted without special consent, signifies the earliest on record, stated David Chatillon, co-chairman for the Comite Champagne industry association.

Harvest opening dates span from August 8 to August 22, contingent on location and grape variety. Chatillon attributed the accelerated ripening process to the record-breaking heat this year. Since the 1980s, harvest dates in France have gradually shifted earlier, indicative of a warming climate. In Champagne, the grape picking now initiates about two weeks sooner than two decades ago.

Chatillon affirmed that the quality of the grapes remains satisfactory despite the sales quota being diminished for the fourth successive year due to global economic turbulence and recurring climate-related risks. This year also witnessed the agriculture ministry unusually permitting Champagne producers to purchase up to 15 percent of their grapes, grape must or wines from others, compared to the standard limit of five percent.

The industry had necessitated the measure following spring frosts, which decimated nearly 40 percent of the vineyard buds—a severe loss—and a subsequent drought, which resulted in underdeveloped grape clusters due to insufficient water.