I Grandi Vini reports that Germany’s exceptionally early 2026 harvest is beginning while wineries in Württemberg and Rheinhessen are still struggling with surplus stocks and weak demand. The European Commission has authorised crisis distillation of up to 240,000 hectolitres of PDO red and rosé wine from the two regions, backed by €14.16 million, while the Deutsches Weininstitut says the main harvest has started earlier than in any previous vintage for many producers. Dry conditions have left grapes smaller than normal and yields are expected to be below average, although fruit health and quality prospects are described as positive, creating an uncomfortable combination of new wine arriving while producers are still trying to reduce existing stocks.