Champagne producers and winegrowers have agreed to limit the amount of grapes harvested for sparkling wine production this year.
This decision was finalized at a meeting on July 19, 2024, between the co-presidents of the Champagne Committee, David Chatillon and Maxime Toubart.
The agreed-upon yield limit for the 2024 harvest is set at 10,000 kg/ha, marking a significant reduction compared to previous years. This adjustment is expected to cap production at under 290 million bottles, one of the lowest levels seen in recent decades.
Yield Limits and Production Impact
The Champagne region, spanning approximately 34,300 hectares, typically requires around 1.2 kg of grapes to produce a single bottle of Champagne. With the new yield limit, the expected production will be just over 285.8 million bottles, approximately 13 million bottles fewer than the 299 million shipped in 2023. This 10,000 kg/ha limit represents a reduction of over 12% from last year's limit of 11,400 kg/ha, and nearly 17% from the 12,000 kg/ha limit in 2022.
Economic and Market Factors
The decision to impose such a stringent limit is driven by several factors:
- High Stock Levels: Champagne producers currently hold stock equivalent to around four years of sales, whereas three years is considered optimal.
- Declining Shipments: The first half of 2024 saw a 15.2% decline in Champagne shipments compared to the same period in 2023, with 106.7 million bottles shipped.
- Geopolitical and Economic Pressures: Ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and high Champagne prices are expected to constrain volume sales, unlike the post-pandemic boom in 2022 when shipments peaked at 326 million bottles.
Natural and Climatic Challenges
The current growing season in Champagne has been exceptionally challenging. Adverse weather conditions, including excessive rainfall, spring frosts, and hail, have negatively impacted grape yields:
- Mildew Pressure: The region has experienced strong mildew pressure due to hot and humid conditions.
- Delayed Vine Development: Vine growth is 5-6 days behind the ten-year average, with the harvest anticipated to start around September.
- Variable Yield Estimates: Vincent Chaperon, cellar master of Dom Pérignon, estimates average yields between 8,000 and 9,000 kg/ha, with some areas, particularly in Aube, expecting as low as 2,000 kg/ha.
Quality Over Quantity
Despite these challenges, there is optimism about the potential quality of the 2024 vintage. Chaperon suggests that lower yields could lead to higher-quality wines, provided the weather improves with more sunshine. He notes that moderate yields often benefit the quality of Champagne, and the region has already received sufficient rainfall for the year, with about 500mm in the past two months. The increasingly extreme water cycles, characterized by prolonged droughts followed by intense rain, are also a growing concern for viticulturists.
Future Outlook
The decision to limit the 2024 Champagne harvest yield to 10,000 kg/ha is a calculated response to the interplay of economic pressures, market demand, and adverse weather conditions. This strategy aims to preserve the quality of Champagne while balancing supply with market needs. As the industry navigates these challenges, the focus remains on producing exceptional wines that uphold Champagne's prestigious reputation.
In summary, the 2024 vintage will be one to watch, not just for its potential quality but also as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Champagne producers in the face of evolving market and environmental conditions.
Source: Vinetur