Champagne puts a cap on grapes to be picked in 2025

Champagne has announced the yield limit for this year’s harvest, setting it at the second-lowest level this century.

The ‘available’ or ‘commercialisable’ yield (which is the maximum amount that can be made into wine for selling from this harvest) has been set at 9,000 kg per hectare for 2025, the drinks business reported.

The only year when less fruit was allowed to be picked was 2020, when the first Covid-related lockdowns led to a sharp decline in sales.

The 2025 figure represents a total production of approximately 255 million bottles from the 34,000-hectate region.

The decision is a response to the volatile global economy, along with geopolitical and economic instability that could mean reduced demand.

Capping yields also allows the appellation to maintain quality and exclusivity. 

The decision followed a meeting between the co-presidents of the Comité Champagne - David Chatillon, representing the houses, and Maxime Toubart, who represents the grape growers.

It reportedly represents a compromise between the calls from the houses for a limit of around 8,000kg/ha and a higher level demanded by the growers, who, it has been suggested, wanted to keep yields at or above 10,000kg/ha.

“This decision reflects a clear-headed, united, and responsible Champagne region, capable of acting with restraint in an evolving world while maintaining unwavering confidence in its fundamental 

strengths,” Toubart told local media.

The reduced harvests will disappoint many following "perfect” conditions in the region so far this vintage, as reported by Louis Roederer cellar master Jean-Baptist Lécaillon.

Image: Andrii Omelnytskyi, Scop.io