Harvest

Question 1

What is the Comite Champagne responsible for?

Answer 1

-sets harvest dates and yields
-required min alc by abv

Question 2

How does the comite champagne set harvest dates?

Answer 2

-samples from 450 plots from time of veraison and measure rate of colour change, weight, acidity, sugar concentration , botrytis

Question 3

Can picking start later than the given harvest dates?

Answer 3

-yes, apply to Insitit National de L’origine et de la Qualite) INAO
-threat of botrytis etc

Question 4

What does the comite champ protect?

Answer 4

-quality, regulates pricing- supply and demand

Question 5

What else does the comite champ manage?

Answer 5

-levels of reserve wines
-upper limit by EU= 15,500 kg/ha

Question 6

What does the Champagne AOC specify?

Answer 6

-whole bunch pressing and hand picking
-avoids crushing, oxidation, microbial spoilage= preserves fruit quality

Question 7

How long does harvest last and how many people for labour per year?

Answer 7

-3 weeks
-100,000