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Alexandre Gobillard reports a historic, record-breaking early harvest in the Champagne region due to extreme heat and drought.

Champagne producers are currently racing to harvest grapes in the Hautvillers region, marking the earliest harvest on record for the area. Alexandre Gobillard, production director at Gobillard & Fils, noted that while a mid-August start was once unthinkable, the current harvest is a direct result of extreme heat and drought. The region endured a late-March frost followed by four unprecedented heat waves, which accelerated the ripening process and increased sugar concentration in the grapes. David Chatillon, president of the Union of Champagne Houses, acknowledged that while the drought and spring frosts led to a clear decrease in yields, the industry has been investing in research to adapt to climate change. The early harvest also presents logistical challenges, as traditional hand-harvesting requires housing and transporting thousands of seasonal workers during the peak of summer. Despite these challenges, Alexandre Gobillard expressed optimism regarding the quality of the grapes, stating that the quantity should be sufficient and the quality will be maintained.

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