A Toast to More Champagne
Two pieces of news about Champagne this week seem to underscore the message about global warming. The first is that 2007 is a record harvest. According to Decanter magazine, this year producers will turn out approximately 389 million bottles, 13 million more than the bumper crop of 2004 and a staggering 95 million more than 1982.
Meanwhile, the Independent newspaper reports that for the first time since 1927, the boundaries of the approved vineyard land that can claim to produce champagne may increase as much as 15% by 2015. The reason?
Many say that global warming has made it possible to create champagne that's true to its style within a wider range, particularly in more northernly reaches. Others believe that because the region is planted out to its maximum, pressure from producers has grown to such an extent that authorities will likely enlarge the area.
The implications are dramatic since champagne is a luxury product. Some vineyard owners will see their land increase in value by 200%. For consumers, it certainly means more champagne and (we hope) at a lower price. Though that may not happen if global demand continues to outpace champagne's supply.
What's your view on redefining wine producing regions? Is it justified? Is a good thing or not? Does it change the identity of the wine itself? Do you care when it comes to champagne or any other wine?
Meanwhile, the Independent newspaper reports that for the first time since 1927, the boundaries of the approved vineyard land that can claim to produce champagne may increase as much as 15% by 2015. The reason?
Many say that global warming has made it possible to create champagne that's true to its style within a wider range, particularly in more northernly reaches. Others believe that because the region is planted out to its maximum, pressure from producers has grown to such an extent that authorities will likely enlarge the area.
The implications are dramatic since champagne is a luxury product. Some vineyard owners will see their land increase in value by 200%. For consumers, it certainly means more champagne and (we hope) at a lower price. Though that may not happen if global demand continues to outpace champagne's supply.
What's your view on redefining wine producing regions? Is it justified? Is a good thing or not? Does it change the identity of the wine itself? Do you care when it comes to champagne or any other wine?
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