economy
The Great Climate Change Champagne Race, as Grape Ripening Shrinks from 100 to 80 Days: 'We’ve Never Seen Anything Like It'
Champagne producers are racing to pick their grapes as the region’s earliest harvest on record gets underway, after extreme heat and drought accelerated ripening, leaving growers a narrow window to preserve the quality of the region’s world-famous sparkling wine.
TL;DR
- Champagne is having its earliest harvest on record due to extreme heat and drought.
- Grape ripening has accelerated, shrinking the period from 100 days post-flowering to about 80 days.
- A late-March frost also reduced potential crop yields.
- Producers are facing logistical challenges with hand harvesting and worker availability.
- Climate change has been a focus for the industry for 25 years, leading to investments in research and adaptation.
- Despite challenges, initial grape quality and quantity are reported as encouraging.
- The Champagne industry generates significant sales and employs thousands, relying on seasonal workers for the harvest.