NPR

Champagne Makers Bubble Over A Bumper Crop Caused By European Drought

A record heat wave ruined crops across Europe this summer, but not all crops. Champagne growers are ecstatic over a bumper crop of grapes this year. Vintage 2018 is expected to be one of the best.
The champagne grape harvest in northeastern France, like this one near Mailly-Champagne, started early this year due to lack of rain.

Bells toll at the abbey where Dom Perignon is buried in the French region of Champagne. The Benedictine monk is said to have discovered the method for turning wine into champagne here more than 300 years ago.

As far as the eye can see, neat rows of vines look as if they're stitched across the rolling hillsides.

This time of year, those vines are laden with clumps of dark purple grapes

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