Champagnes from 2022 are expected to be “exceptional” despite record heat and drought in France over the summer, according to producers of the prestigious sparkling wine. Grape harvesting took place in August – earlier than usual. Both the quality and quantity this year are comparable to vintage years 2002 and 1982, the head of the champagne producers’ union SGV told a press conference. The Champagne region suffered from water shortages like the rest of France but rain “arrived at the right moment during the cycle”, Laurent Panigai told reporters. Winegrowers load a traditional wine press with Chardonnay grapes during the harvest, in Montgueux, central France, on August 23, 2022. This summer was France’s second hottest on record, with average temperatures 2.3 degrees Celsius above the norm. This, coupled with water shortages, caused major problems for livestock farmers. But the abundant sunshine looks set to deliver a windfall for many winemakers. Producers in the Bourgogne region are also suggesting this year’s harvest could be comparable in quality to 1959, one of the best years of the last century. Champagne producers were authorised to pick up to 12,000 kilograms of...
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