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In Alsace, the earliest grape harvest of all time began on August 19. It started about ten days earlier than 2024. This is reported by the Alsace winemakers' association (AVA). The previous record was in 2018 when the harvest began on August 22.
Traditionally, the grapes for Crémant are harvested first in Alsace. The grapes for the other AOP wines are expected to be harvested starting August 25, explained Gilles Ehrhart, president of the AVA. "Due to climate change, the harvest starts about 20 to 25 days earlier than it did 30 years ago," recalls 48-year-old Ehrhart.
The vines developed particularly early this year, favored by the mild weather. Additionally, they were spared from late frosts. In June, a heat period followed, and at the end of July, there was plenty of rain, before another heatwave set in in the last few days. This led to the grapes initially soaking up water, then producing sugar, and finally adding two degrees of alcohol per week – instead of the usual 1.2 degrees.
The official start date for the grape harvest is set in consultation with the national institute for origin and quality (INAO). Some winemakers in Alsace have already begun harvesting before the official date on Tuesday but had to obtain special permission from the authorities.
(ru)
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