Although the summer is still is still in full swing, Bordeaux has already begun harvesting its grapes.

Long, dry periods with plenty of sunshine in April and May mean that the vines on most Bordeaux estates are far more progressed than they would normally be.

Harvesting dates have been subject to constant revision throughout June and July, as last month brought prolonged spells of cooler, wetter weather.

However, with the sun shining again and a week of temperatures in excess of 35 degrees C expected, some vineyards have begun picking their grapes in a bid to prevent over-ripeness.

According to Decanter, renowned estate Chateau d'Yquem has been one of the first to blink, along with Chateau de Sours.

The latter's owner, Martin Krajewski, told the publication: "In my eight years here, the earliest we have ever picked is September 4th. We are at least 18 days ahead of anything I have experienced."

Mr Krajewski added that with high temperatures ripening the grapes ever further as they pick, the final wine may end up with alcohol content as high as 14 per cent.

Meanwhile, growers in Champagne are also looking at an "extremely early" harvest.

The Comite Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne (CIVC) is allowing the areas with the most ripened vines to pick from August 19th.

Those likely to harvest from this date are the vineyards in the villages of Cumieres, Sacy and Damery in the Marne Valley, and Buxeuil, Neuville-sur-Seine, and Polisot in the Aube.

Thibaut le Mailloux, communications director at the CIVC, explained: "2011 is going to be an extremely early harvest in the region of Champagne, missing the absolute record of 2003 by one day only."

According to Decanter, the early ripening Pinot Meunier is the first variety to be picked, followed by Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.