France’s Champagne harvest starts in record-early August heat
Why it matters: Heat, drought and frost cut yields and threaten the acidity and flavor that define Champagne.
Champagne growers in northeastern France have begun what producers describe as the earliest harvest since records began, after extreme summer heat sped up grape ripening across the region. The industry’s governing body, the Champagne Committee, moved the official start date to Aug. 12, while one grower in Montgueux received permission to start as early as Aug. 6 because grape acidity was falling fast. Winemakers say hotter conditions are narrowing the ideal picking window and producing sweeter fruit, making it harder to preserve the freshness and balance central to Champagne’s style. The committee said spring frost wiped out about 30% of the crop, while heat and drought further shrank grape size and yields.