The 2025 red grape harvest in Bordeaux has commenced exceptionally early, with Château Troplong Mondot setting the pace. August 28 marked the start of what is anticipated to be one of the earliest vintages on record, even surpassing the early 2022 harvest.
The St-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé estate’s management confirmed that the picking began today, following the white grape harvest that started in mid-August. This year’s harvest has been expedited by extreme heat that has hastened the ripening process.
Aymeric de Gironde, the estate’s managing director, asserted that this season reflects conditions similar to 2022, with a combination of hot and dry weather yielding small, highly concentrated grapes that maintain freshness despite high temperatures. Comparatively, the 2024 Bordeaux harvest saw difficulties, including reduced vineyard areas and adverse weather conditions that drastically decreased production.
This season’s hot weather in July and August, with temperatures reaching above 40°C, has intensified grape ripening, resulting in concentrated flavors. While flowering went smoothly, heatwaves in mid-summer caused stress to some vines, especially young ones. Fortunately, minimal rainfall has led to healthier vines due to reduced mildew pressure.
Despite the warmer conditions, cooler weather has recently arrived, which could help the grapes avoid over-ripening. De Gironde pointed out that the harvest strategy at Troplong Mondot focuses on picking grapes at their “crisp” stage, emphasizing a meticulous approach to ensure quality.
Expectations for the vintage are high, with France’s overall wine harvest projected to increase by up to 17% compared to 2024, buoyed primarily by rebounds in regions like Burgundy and Champagne, alongside positive trends in Bordeaux. However, not all vineyards are moving to harvest immediately; some, like those in Pomerol, are opting to wait for upcoming rains to refresh their grapes.
Château Cheval Blanc is also preparing to begin its harvest earlier than usual on September 1, aligning with the broader trend of an accelerated vintage timeline. Across various regions in France, similar early harvest patterns are emerging, with many growers reporting promising quality due to the unique climatic conditions that have led to concentrated, aromatic grapes.