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Post by Anne on Aug 30, 2007 11:51:51 GMT -5
There was a subject on the TV news about the fact that the sales of champagne have increased very much on a worldwide basis, partly due to the new "BRIC" (Brazil, Russia, India, China) markets . However, if things go on that way, a shortage of grapes is expected . More and more vines are being planted, but this is far from being enough . So now an extension of the authorized area for the grapes being used to produce champagne is being studied by the government . If this isn't enough, then there will be a shortage . And guess what will happen to the price of champagne ?...
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Aug 30, 2007 11:59:21 GMT -5
Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Post by Jody on Aug 30, 2007 13:41:19 GMT -5
And Kir Royales I may have to change my avatar motto!
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Post by greyghost1 on Aug 30, 2007 19:25:26 GMT -5
I don't know. I have heard that for the last 10 years a least, and always several months before new years. Then when we visited the Champagne district last March and seeing soooooo many bottles, I'm not sure I believe it. However, it is an excuse to raise the price of a bottle of champers!
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Post by sistereurope on Aug 30, 2007 19:38:50 GMT -5
yes, there was a story about that the other night on France TV 2...of course, with my rudimentary French skills I wasn't sure if they were saying that it was a great year or a drought!! ;D Ooooh, but I hope that it doesn't get too expensive! We love Veuve Cliquot...and happy, you must be able to have your kirs!!
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Post by Darcy on Aug 30, 2007 22:55:52 GMT -5
Congratulations, demarais, on 100 posts! I knew it wouldn't take you long! ;D You are so full of it - good information, that is!!
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Post by Jody on Aug 31, 2007 3:18:09 GMT -5
Talk is cheap, darcy! Break out the champers
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Post by holger on Aug 31, 2007 5:41:14 GMT -5
Cost of a Kir Royal last night was 15 Euros!!!!!!
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Post by Shoesy on Aug 31, 2007 6:00:59 GMT -5
Well, at least there was no shortage at my daughter's wedding !!! ;D
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Post by Anne on Aug 31, 2007 6:10:31 GMT -5
Sister - I also watch the news on France2 channel Greyhost - I know what you mean, yet this is not the same problem as some previous years . I mean, this is not about a few years of poor crops (this year's should be good, actually) or one year of exceptionnal consumption like 2000 . This is a structural problem : new ever-rising markets + an increase in consumption in the traditionnal ones (like they were explaining - and I agree with them - that until a few years ago, French families would open a bottle of champagne to celebrate a very special event, while now people open a bottle for no special reason, just to have apƩritif with friends) . So demand is structurally getting higher than production, and that's why the government is now in charge of the problem . Not that I personnally really care about it : as long as there is no shortage of Beaume de Venise, my apƩritifs are secure ;D ;D ;D ...
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Post by Happygoin on Aug 31, 2007 6:16:57 GMT -5
NO!!! Say it ain't so!! I may die of dehydration...
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Post by geordy on Aug 31, 2007 8:09:40 GMT -5
I've always found it interesting that the price of a bottle of wine in a store in France is considerably less than here for I guess obvious reasons but the Champagne prices are similar. In fact there is a liquor store here (the grand state of NY is a bit old fashioned ..you can't buy hard liquor or wine in a grocery store, only a liquor store where you can't buy beer..that is in the groceries, delis, convenience stores and even some drug stores!) where say Henri Abel Champagne is less than I've seen it in the Monoprix! I also saw the piece on France 2 news... And Sis, Veuve Cliquot is my favorite too! Can't wait to have my first coupe in Paris soon!!
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Post by sistereurope on Aug 31, 2007 9:02:05 GMT -5
Anne - I try to watch some TV 2 every day if I can (even if it's for a few minutes). So I did see the segment on champagne, but as I mentioned, my French skills aren't where they need to be yet...although I did understand something about the grapes drying up?! Anyway, I'm hoping that it helps my efforts!
geordy...LOVE Veuve Cliquot! We bought a case of it last year for our wedding. The reception menu included the Veuve, wine, beer, French cheese and baguettes and a pulled pork BBQ feast from my husband's favorite BBQ stand, complete with slaw and beans! Man, with this news I'm glad that I convinced my husband to marry me last year ;D
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Post by geordy on Aug 31, 2007 9:43:14 GMT -5
When I was in Rheims a few years back, I had a morning tour of Veuve Cliquot reserved. I showed up but the other reservations didn't! So the lovely young lady took me on my own private tour! I of course mentioned it was my favorite Champagne..so at the end she poured us both a nice glass..a free taste was not included there at that time..because she said 11:00AM was the best time to taste Champagne!! ;D I remarked that they did not have a gift shop..she said something about Champagne being a luxury, elegant product and they didn't think that would be appropriate...she avoided saying that it would be tacky!!!!
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Post by sistereurope on Aug 31, 2007 9:48:39 GMT -5
Ooooh, I'm jealous! We were SO disappointed when we were there a few years ago and discovered that Veuve Cliquot was closed! We ended up doing the Moet et Chandon tour. That was nice, but we really wanted to taste our fave.
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Post by geordy on Aug 31, 2007 10:08:20 GMT -5
I was staying a couple of nights in Rheims but took the train one day to Eperney to "do" Moet! In addition to VC, we did Pommeroy, Piper Heidsieck, and Mumm's!! A delightful out of Paris excursion! Oh did the other sightseeing too!
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Post by Truffaut on Aug 31, 2007 10:13:47 GMT -5
Well, there go my nightly baths in a jacuzzi filled with champagne
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Aug 31, 2007 11:10:59 GMT -5
Geordy - I haven't been there (yet) but was told by a good (and reliable) friend and champagne lover that the Tattinger tour is a great one as well (plus, of course, their rose is fabulous - although nothing will replace La Grande Dame rose in my heart).
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les
Full Member
C'est si bon....
Posts: 163
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Post by les on Aug 31, 2007 16:17:50 GMT -5
The husband of one of my best friends is a big-wig at Moet et Chandon. I'll ask if this is accurate.
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Post by Becky (Berkeleytravelers) on Aug 31, 2007 16:19:56 GMT -5
Les - thanks, that's just the kind of insider access that makes this forum valuable!
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