Champagne grapes picked record-early as heatwave strains French vineyards
Workers in Montgueux began harvesting champagne grapes on August 14, the earliest date on record, as soaring temperatures and drought force the industry to confront climate change.
In the Champagne region, laborers gathered at dawn on August 14 to begin the second day of a harvest that is the earliest since records began in the early 20th century. The industry’s governing body, the Champagne Committee, advanced the official start date to August 12, reflecting the rapid sugar buildup caused by this summer’s heat and drought. Local winemakers such as Benoit Velut and his father Denis recalled harvests once occurring in late September, while Vincent Finot received special permission to start on August 6, the earliest ever.
Agroclimatologist Serge Zaka said French vineyards have moved harvests forward by roughly 21 days over the last 50 years, and frost and heat have already reduced the crop by about 30 percent. To offset lower yields, the committee relies on reserve wines stored in tanks, and experts suggest planting more resilient varieties and maintaining ground cover. The shift threatens the traditional light, airy profile of champagne, prompting producers to adapt within appellation rules.
Why it matters
The unprecedented early harvest signals how climate change is already reshaping a iconic wine region, affecting producers and consumers worldwide.
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