The sparkling wine traditionally kicks off the harvest, the harvesting of other AOC wines ahead of August 25, told AFP Gilles Ehrhart, president of Ava.
“We have never started so early,” he observed, the start of the harvest taking place this year 10 days ahead of 2024. The previous record dates back to 2018, with a start of the harvest on August 22.
“Almost 20 to 25 days of difference from 30 years ago,” recalls Mr. Ehrhart, 48 years old. “We have almost won one day a year for 30 years. It is linked to climate change”.
The vines took advantage of favorable weather this year “and began to push very early”, while avoiding spring frosts, he explains. They then benefited from hot weather in June, before significant precipitation at the end of July, followed by a new heat wave in recent days.
Grapes full
As a result, the grapes have been full of water, before producing sugar, and gaining 2 degrees of alcohol per week, instead of 1.2 degrees in normal times.
The official start -up date of harvest is taken in consultation with the National Institute of Origin and Quality (INAO), which manages the names of controlled origin.
Some Alsatian winegrowers have already started to harvest grapes before Tuesday’s official date, but in this case they must request a special authorization from INAO.
