Quality not quantity

With the lower temperatures, and less intense sun, the vineyards have been busy with the pickers, pushing to get the harvest completed. 2026 is the earliest harvest on record for champagne, and there’s been a really welcome respite in the weather to get it done.

We know, due to the lack of rain and the canicules we have experienced throughout summer, that the grapes are small. However the high sugar content could be good, as long as the vignerons have caught the acidity at the right moment. If the fruits over ripen, the acidity will drop.

A few of the vignerons have already finished their harvest, or are just finishing off bringing the last of their grapes in to be pressed.

We just need to wait now to see if the grape quality will make up for the lack of quantity.