Last month Comite Champagne announced plans for an early harvest thanks to warm, sunny weather throughout June and July. Now other regions in northern Europe are following suit.
Areas in Germany have begun a record early harvest, with the first grapes picked in Rheinhessen on 6 August. Producers are optimistic about its quality, although some growers in the country had to rely on irrigation following water stress after the warmest April since records began.
In Alsace, winemakers are now preparing to pick grapes for Cremant sparkling wines, with some producers even expressing concern over finding enough grape pickers at this time of year. The region’s still appellation wines are not scheduled for harvesting until 3 September – nonetheless still earlier than previous years.
