More champagne!

Yes, another note on champagne, one on more champagne. The production in the Champagne region has shot up substantially over the last 50 years or so. Here are some numbers (source: CIVC/the Drinks Business):

Total shipments: In 1950 shipments reached 33 million bottles. 2008 the number was almost ten times as much: 322 million. Shipments to the UK grew from 3 million to 36 million.

Yields: the harvest yields are always an interesting subject of discussion when looking at wine regions. In Champagne it is measured in kg/ha. Around 50 years ago the average smoothed yearly yield was 3-4000 kg/ha. Today it has reached 15,000 kg/ha. That is equivalent to approximately 100 hl/ha. (Source CIVC/the Drinks Business)