Early harvest for France and England

Winemakers in Bordeaux and Burgundy are expecting an early harvest this year, perhaps the earliest ever due to record sunlight hours and temperatures and the driest May on record which have advanced the vegetative cycle. Flowering is usually at the end of May but this year, according to John Salvi a Bordeaux journalist, flowering was well advanced by 8 May and some vines had their first flowers on May 1st. Grapes are usually fully ripe 90-100 days after flowering.

An early harvest could mean we'll see grapes being picked in late August rather than September. But its much to early to make any comment as to the quality of the vintage as lots could still happen between now and harvest time. Winemakers in England are also anticipating an early harvest due to the hot weather in April/May.