The next six weeks will be \u201ccrucial\u201d to the quality and quantity of the 2015 harvest in Champagne, following drought conditions which deprived the vines of water.<\/p>\n
This year, Champagne winegrowers will have the right to harvest 10,000 kg of grapes per hectare of vines and to use 500 kg of reserve wine per hectare, like last year. The 2015 harvest should begin around September 10.<\/p>\n
The Champagne Committee said the vineyard had enjoyed a "smooth" start to the season. But he also added that \u201cthe drought that has set in since the end of May has deprived the vines of water. Coupled with the heat waves of June and July, it slowed down growth in the vines. \u00bb<\/p>\n
\u201cMore than ever, the weather conditions in the coming weeks will be crucial to the volume and quality of the grape harvest. \u00bb<\/p>\n
Jean-Marie Barill\u00e8re, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne, said the Champagne vines were in good condition, "not too threatened" by mildew.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt affects few clusters per vine, especially with regard to Pinot Meunier,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Jean-Marie Barill\u00e8re indicated that the maximum authorized yields were determined according to demand forecasts and current stocks, which the Champagne houses do not wish to see increase.\n<\/p>\n
Around 307 million bottles of champagne were shipped in 2014, an increase of 0.7 % on the previous year. However, this is less than what the first forecasts announced. The Champagne Committee indicated that sales in the first half of 2015 had been "stable" compared to the same period in 2014.<\/p>\n
Richard Woodard<\/p>\n
July 27, 2015<\/p>\n