Champagne Drappier, located in Côtes des Bar, has completed its earliest-ever harvest, having begun on 19 August. 

Despite the irregular picking time, the house said that the quality of the grapes is “exceptionally good” following a remarkably warm and dry growing season. 

On the condition of the grapes entering the winery, Hugo Drappier, eighth-generation winemaker at the house, said: “The last time we saw such a perfect sanitary state was exactly 50 years ago. 

“At Drappier, we experienced comparable conditions on only two occasions during the 20th century, in 1947 and 1976. This is the first time our House has seen anything like it in the 21st century. 

“Even in 2003, when we harvested on 25 August, we did not begin this early. The ripening conditions in 2026 led us to start picking on 19 August – a first for us.” 

Champagne Drappier continued that the dry weather this year meant that there was no disease or pest pressure in the vineyard. 

Furthermore, though frosts in April led to a smaller crop, Drappier said that the reduced volume led to a higher concentration and quality of the fruit. 

The estate said that all nine varieties have fared well in the harvest. They include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Meunier, Blanc Vrai, Fromenteau, Arbanne, Petit Meslier, Voltis and Chardonnay Rose. 

“Malic acid levels are lower than usual. This means that, once malolactic fermentation is complete, the wines should retain a particularly interesting freshness and balance,” added Hugo Drappier. 

On the early harvest, he said: “My grandfather André used to harvest in early October, my father Michel in mid to early September, and today I am harvesting another two or three weeks earlier. Global warming and climate change have been a reality in our vineyards for around 50 years.”