According to the article, UK sales of Sparkling wines are fast closing in on Champagne sales. Spurrier thinks that Champagne will have lower sales than Sparkling wine before 2009 is over.
The article goes on to state that in past recessions, Champagne sales have always taken a hit and ultimately recovered, but Spurrier thinks this time is different.
During past recessions, Prosecco, CAva, and Cremant were not really available quality substitutes, which they are now. That means that sales lost to Sparkling wine may not come back to Champagne.
In general, I tend to agree with Spurrier. That said, I do think this is particularly relevant for the larger Champagne houses with massive production and often questionable quality. The more reasonably priced grower Champagnes that are top notch quality from Grand Cru vineyards should be far less affected. In this group, I would count my favorites like Launois, Arnould, Milan, and Pierre Peters.
What are your thoughts? Has Champagne reached its apex of popularity?
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