Blistering Heat in France Threatens Wine Harvest

Devdiscourse reports that extreme heat is stunting grape growth across Champagne, Bordeaux and Burgundy, raising the risk of a smaller French crop and one of the earliest harvests on record. Champagne producers are preparing for a harvest around 15 August, with yields expected to be around 10% lower than last year, while heat-driven sugar concentration could affect flavour and alcohol levels even if quality is preserved.