Loxarel began the earliest harvest in its history on 12 August 2026. High temperatures over the past two months, combined with three months without rainfall, have accelerated grape ripening and brought forward the optimum harvest date. Harvesting began in the winery’s Can Mayol vineyards with Macabeu, destined for the base wines of Clàssic Penedès sparkling wines, and will continue with Xarel·lo, the winery’s flagship variety.
Loxarel’s technical team is closely monitoring each vineyard plot to determine the precise harvest timing for every variety
More than two months of unusually high temperatures have accelerated the increase in grape sugar levels, making it necessary to bring the harvest forward. At Loxarel, harvesting is carried out entirely by hand as part of the winery’s commitment to staying true to its origins, while preserving the balance between potential alcohol and acidity.
For the base wines used in Clàssic Penedès sparkling wines, this balance is particularly important to ensure freshness and structure.
Ripening analyses allow the team to monitor changes in sugar levels, acidity and other grape parameters, helping determine the ideal harvest timing for each vineyard plot.
The unusually early start to the harvest is further evidence of how rising temperatures are altering the vine’s growing cycle and reshaping the viticultural calendar.
It is a reality that is already prompting the sector to anticipate the adaptations needed to help vineyards withstand climate change and global warming.
This year’s harvest will also begin earlier than usual in Loxarel’s high-altitude vineyards at Pla de Manlleu, 700 metres above sea level.
