France's Champagne region is capping this year’s harvest yields at 8,800 kg/ha, limiting production to approximately 250 million bottles.
Set by the Comité Champagne (CIVC), this "marketable yield" limit is the region's lowest in modern history - excluding 2020's COVID cap of 8,000 kg/ha (under 230 million bottles).
The decisions comes after cuts in the three preceding harvests, with the heads of the Comité Champagne stressing that the limit was set by the grape growers and winemakers to prevent the region from producing more wine than it can sell.
Comité Champagne said in a statement: “This collective decision aims to gradually rebalance stock, while preserving the economic viability of the vineyards and maintaining quality standards.”
Driven by strong exports, first-half sparkling wine shipments rose 1.2% to 107.1 million bottles. If this trend holds, full-year shipments will reach 269 million bottles—up from last year’s 266 million, which had fallen 2% from 271 million in 2024.
Following an early, heavily frost-damaged spring and a recent heatwave, it has been reported that Champagne is on track for its earliest harvest in history.
After a complex growing season marked by frost, June heat waves, and recent drought across Champagne, harvesting will start August 15. The main harvest is expected between August 20 and 25 - roughly 10 to 15 days earlier than usual.
Kanpai!
88 Bamboo Editorial Team
