France's Champagne region has begun its earliest-ever grape harvest after successive scorching heatwaves accelerated ripening, industry officials said Wednesday. The publication of the official harvest dates, before which harvesting is prohibited without special permission, marks the earliest on record, said David Chatillon, co-chairman for the Comite Champagne industry association.
The harvest opening dates range from August 8 to August 22, depending on location and grape variety, with record-breaking heat this year "of course" speeding up the ripening process, Chatillon said.
