Bilions of billions of bubbles

A single glass of Champagne contains one million bubbles according to the University of Reims’ Gérard Liger-Belair, an effervescence expert. Today there are 1,400 times this number of bottles of Champagne – 1.4 billion - biding their time quietly in underground and overground cellars all over the Champagne region. But while this sparkling treat awaits more demanding market conditions, we take a look at the Christmas Champagne & Sparkling Wine market for the season that’s in it.

While volume shipments of Champagne showed a slight decline of 1.8% to 25 million cases in 2018, turnover was up by 0.3% to €4.9 billion.

While volume shipments of Champagne showed a slight decline of 1.8% to 25 million cases in 2018, turnover was up by 0.3% to €4.9 billion according to the Comité Champagne which points out that the home market France and the UK represent about 60% of total sales.

Exports of Champagne are showing growth of 0.6% in volume and 1.8% in value.

Ireland

Here in Ireland, Champagne also appears to be in growth mode once again with sales up 8% to 42,707 cases worth €9.374 million (up 10% by value) according to Comité Champagne’s export figures.

But compare this to the overall 239,000-case champagne and sparkling wine market which is expected to grow 1.4% to 242,300 cases this year according to IWSR projections.

 

Sparkling wines

The sparkling wine category includes Prosecco and Cava, Crémant and even of late English sparkling wine – all part of a category that enjoys a sales fillip around the Christmas period.

How well prepared are you?

 

Celebrate Christmas with the world’s most Iconic Champagne

What better way to celebrate this Christmas season than by raising a glass of the world’s best-loved champagne, Moet & Chandon Imperial, with your loved ones? This global icon of celebration proudly marked its own milestone this year – its 150^th anniversary.

With a bottle opened every second somewhere in the world, Moët Impérial is recognised today as a symbol of what the Champagne region brings to the world, a ‘must be’ component of life’s memorable moments.

Its history is ripe with traditions created by Moët & Chandon – from Moët Imperial being christened ‘Impérial’ as a tribute to Napoléon the First, to racing champion Dan Gurney spontaneously spraying Moët Impérial from the winner’s podium in 1967, starting a lasting “champagne spray” tradition.

Hollywood glamour goes hand-in-hand with special moments celebrated and created with Moët Impérial. Since 1992 it has taken a front row seat at the Golden Globes awards and has played a starring role in Pretty Woman, The Devil Wears Prada and The Great Gatsby.

Created in 1869 and celebrating its 150^th anniversary, the signature expression of the House style, Moët Impérial brings together an accomplished assemblage of the three main grape varieties of Champagne and the ancestral winemaking tradition that has made the success of the Maison global.

Rosé Impérial is a spontaneous, radiant, romantic expression of the Moët & Chandon style, a style distinguished by its bright fruitiness, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity. A captivating lively, intense bouquet with tasting notes of red fruits, floral nuances of rose and a slight hint of pepper.

Available too as The Moët & Chandon NV Gift Box and the Moët & Chandon NV Rosé Gift Box.

Follow Moët & Chandon on Instagram @Moetchandon and Facebook @Moetireland

#MustBeMoet

 

Champagne Taittinger – the Toast of Christmas and 2020

Champagne Taittinger proudly takes its place among the greats as one of the last major Champagne Houses to remain in family ownership.  Chairman Pierre Emmanuel Taittinger, his son Clovis and daughter Vitalie together with winemaker Loic Dupoint, are guardians of the style and integrity that delivers a quality of absolute consistence that’s recognised worldwide.

The high proportion of Chardonnay, unique among the great Champagnes, is what defines that quality and allows Taittinger Brut Reserve reach its full aromatic maturity after ageing for three to four years in cellar. Its bubbles are fine and its foam discreet and persistent.  The nose is very expressive and reveals aromas of Peach, white flower and Vanilla pod.

Champagne Taittinger produces six million bottles of Champagne a year. It owns the third-largest vineyard holding in the Champagne area with 288Ha, all situated in the Grand Cru and Premier Cru areas. 50% of Taittinger supplies come from its own vineyards and that, together with its 4^th Century Roman cellars (with their constant temperature for long slow ageing) gives Taittinger control over its quality.

A Champagne of discerning choice, why not toast the Festive season this Christmas and cheer in the New Year with a Glass of Taittinger?

The Choice?

Champagne Taittinger Brut Réserve; Champagne Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé; Champagne Taittinger Nocturne; Champagne Taittinger Brut Vintage 2012; Champagne Taittinger Comtes Blanc de Blancs 2007 and Champagne Taittinger Comtes Rosé 2006.

Champagne Taittinger is a great celebratory drink for the festive season or as a Christmas gift.