Late frosts devastate Champagne's grapevines, wiping out 40% of buds

Champagne growers are facing a tough season after late frosts wiped out nearly 40% of grapevine buds. Three nights of extreme cold in March and early April caused widespread damage, with temperatures dropping as low as –5°C. The worst-hit areas include the Côte des Bar region and the Marne Valley, where young buds and tender shoots remain at high risk.

The first blow came on March 15, when freezing temperatures struck vulnerable vines. A second cold snap followed on March 26, and a third hit on April 2. Each wave of frost left more damage in its wake, particularly in low-lying areas where cold air settled.

Daytime rain after the frosts added to the strain, leaving growers with little time to recover. Some have turned to heaters or wind machines to protect their crops, but these measures are costly and not always effective. The most reliable defence remains the *réserve interprofessionnelle*—a shared stockpile of wine built up in better years to offset shortages. Not all grape varieties suffer equally. Pinot Noir and Meunier can still produce secondary shoots to make up for lost buds. Chardonnay, however, lacks this ability, leaving it more exposed to yield losses. Even so, experts caution that a 40% bud loss does not automatically mean a 40% drop in harvest, as some vines adapt better than others. The threat is not over. Mid-May often brings another high-risk window for frost, putting the remaining buds in further danger. Growers with smaller reserves will feel the impact most sharply, as they have less cushion against another bad spell.

With nearly two-fifths of buds already destroyed, the coming weeks will decide how severe this year’s losses become. The réserve interprofessionnelle offers some protection, but those without deep stockpiles face a precarious season. For now, the focus remains on shielding what little growth is left before the next cold front arrives.