Champagne producers in France are preparing to use reserve wines after spring frosts and summer heatwaves sharply reduced this year’s grape harvest, although growers say the quality could be among the best in years.
The extreme weather forced vineyards in Champagne to begin harvesting unusually early, with some growers cutting short holidays and recalling workers to pick grapes sooner than planned.
France’s agriculture ministry expects Champagne’s wine production to fall by about half from last year. Producers can partly offset the decline by blending current grapes with reserve wines from stronger harvests.
Despite the smaller crop, industry officials described this year’s grapes as exceptional, citing good ripeness and little mildew. However, unusually high alcohol levels caused by the heat could make winemaking more challenging.
Maxime Toubart, co president of the Champagne industry body CIVC, said some producers may preserve their reserves for future blends or reduce bottling rather than use all their stocks this year.
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