A persistent heatwave in much of Europe has meant flowering earlier than almost anyone can remember in some wine regions and a particularly early harvest is predicted.
In general, early harvests have tended to be a sign of quality in Europe's fine wine regions BUT all sorts of possible disasters may strike between now and vintage time. Hail could destroy some of the crop. Prolonged rain may prejudice the health of the grapes bringing the nasty fungal diseases to which the vine is so prone. Or if seriously high temperatures persist the vines may simply be too stressed to ripen...
