Drought hits yield but high mountain grapes sweeter Drought-like conditions over the summer mean the grape harvest at Theus, sitting at over 1,000 metres altitude in the Hautes-Alpes, began a week ago, one week earlier than usual . At the Allemand estate, as in many others in the mountains, the smaller grape bunches means a much smaller yield than in a 'normal' year: but the grapes ar far sweeter and considered better quality. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES