France's Champagne region has begun its earliest-ever grape harvest after successive scorching heatwaves accelerated ripening, industry officials said Wednesday. The publication of the official harvest dates, before which harvesting is prohibited without special permission, marks the earliest on record, said David Chatillon, co-chairman for the Comite Champagne industry association.
The harvest opening dates range from August 8 to August 22, depending on location and grape variety, with record-breaking heat this year "of course" speeding up the ripening process, Chatillon said.
Since the 1980s, harvest dates in France have been creeping earlier, an indicator of a warming climate. In Champagne, the grape pick now starts roughly two weeks sooner than it did twenty years ago.
Chatillon said the "quality looks good" for Champagne's grapes, despite the sales quota being reduced for the fourth consecutive year due to global economic uncertainty and recurring climate-related risks.
This year has also seen the agriculture ministry exceptionally allow Champagne producers to purchase up to 15 percent of their grapes, grape must or wines from others, compared with the usual limit of five percent.
The industry requested the measure after spring frosts destroyed nearly 40 percent of the buds in the vineyards -- one of the worst such losses -- and drought later meant the grape clusters were not as plump from lack of water.
Champagne is a historic region in northeastern France, best known worldwide for the sparkling wine that bears its name. The region centers on important cities such as Reims and Épernay and has a long tradition of viticulture and winemaking. Authentic Champagne can only be produced in the legally defined Champagne wine region under specific production regulations.
Its vineyards are particularly associated with three principal grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier. The region’s cool climate and chalk-rich soils contribute distinctive characteristics to its wines.
Champagne is also important for French history and culture. Reims is home to the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral, while Épernay is famous for its celebrated avenues and extensive underground wine cellars.
In 2015, the Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing their cultural significance and winemaking heritage. Today, Champagne attracts visitors interested in wine, architecture, history and the landscapes that have shaped one of France’s most recognizable traditions.
