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The grapes have been harvested, the pressing centers have delivered their must, fermentation has begun: the 2022 harvest in Champagne, which began on August 20 in the earliest ripening areas, is now over.
Despite the dry summer, some rains at the right time ensured excellent ripening. 2022 is the sunniest vintage in Champagne, with a considerable volume, a short and sunny season in the vineyard and perfectly healthy grapes.
The winegrowers and houses of Champagne are delighted with this great harvest. The must suggests very good quality, the average potential alcohol content is over 10% by volume and the acidity is balanced.
Although the harvested quantity varied from sub-region to sub-region, it was sufficient everywhere to achieve this year's marketable yield of 12.000 kilograms per hectare.
The president of the Champagne winegrowers, Maxime Toubart, is delighted: "Thanks to a large and high-quality harvest, with the exceptional approval of the INAO*, the winegrowers were able to replenish their reserve, which was largely used up last year to make up for the losses of the 2021 wine year."
The 2022 harvest is extremely promising, says David Chatillon, President of the Champagne Houses. He notes with satisfaction: "Demand from the markets is high. At the end of August, we recorded an increase of 9 percent compared to the previous year - and this after an already remarkable 2021."
Furthermore: “Despite the uncertain economic situation, the professional families of Champagne are optimistic about the future. The high-quality grapes from this year’s harvest will produce great wines that will certainly meet consumer expectations.”
The Comité Champagne is the interprofessional umbrella organization founded in 1941 that represents the interests of all 16.000 Champagne winegrowers and 340 Champagne houses.
*INAO stands for “L'institut National de l'Origine et de la Qualité”, the official association of the protected designation of origin.
Shots Magazine / © Photos: Goodluz (2), tepic (1), de.depositphotos.com
