Which begs the question that if it is all due to global warming - why was it so hot 110 years ago?

They have starting picking in Beaujolais and in Haut Brion (Graves)- in Graves it is white grapes for the moment.

Beaujolais is reporting good/high sugar levels and very high concentration - yields are half of last year. They are worried if they do not pick now they will end up with dried raisins!

The appellation rules in Graves do not normally allow them to start picking until the 21st August - that is usually considered very early.Those wishing to pick early (getting more and more numerous by the day) have to ask for a special dispensation - same goes for Beaujolais and all of the appellations.

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