Champagne faces its critics

A delimited production area is both the main strength and weakness of a wine appellation, a guarantee of quality but a major obstacle to growth. Plans in Champagne, arguably the premier appellation of them all, to expand its production area have drawn severe criticism but Richard Woodard believes the criticism to be unfounded and borne at least in part out of envy.

Champagne faces down critics and plans for growth

20 March 2008

FRANCE: INAO approves Champagne region revision

14 March 2008

To a backdrop of growing global demand, the national committee of French AOC validating body, the INAO, has unanimously approved a project to enlarge the production zone of Champagne which until now has been restricted by legislation dating back to 1927.

FRANCE: Record year for Champagne exports

4 March 2008

Last year was a record year for Champagne exports with volumes up 7.3% on the previous year to 150.9m bottles, according to figures from trade body, the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC).