Champagne production expected to halve due to extreme weather

Extreme weather conditions in France have significantly impacted wine production, particularly in the Champagne region. The French Ministry of Agriculture forecasts that Champagne production could drop to approximately half of last year's levels.

Extreme heat has caused the grape harvest to begin earlier than usual, forcing viticulturists to adjust schedules and call in workers ahead of time. Despite the lower yields, producers have described the quality of this year's grapes as ‘exceptional’ due to ripeness and the absence of mold.

To mitigate the impact of the poor harvest, producers may rely on older wine reserves. Because much of the champagne is produced by blending wines from multiple vintages, producers have some flexibility to manage supply, though some may choose to bottle less or preserve stocks for future blends.