The Champagne Bureau (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC) ) based in Epernay has released the dates for the 2011 Champagne harvest.
Starting dates differ from village to village and also by the grape varietal. For instance, the villages which produce the Pinot Meunier, and Pinot Noir varieties commence earlier than the Chardonnay variety. This is due to Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir variants maturing in terms of sugar levels more quickly than the Chardonnay variant, with rare exception.
The balance of sugar and acid is key in the harvesting of grapes.
Click here for the complete list of 2011 Champagne harvest starting dates by village and grape variety: 2011 Champagne Harvest Dates
Liz Palmer – Wine and Travel Writer
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Distinguished Member of The Wine Century Club
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