Champagne Statistics 2009

Champagne print some very interesting statistics.

The total planted area of Champagne  is 34,045 ha .

Of that total only 10% (3,433 ha ) is owned by the Champagne Houses , the rest is owned by the vignerons.(mainly growers,but some vintners) 

The total area planted in the UK is estimated at 1300 ha, (all varieties) more than half that total planted in the last 5 years. Over 300,000 vines were planted in the UK in 2009 ,mainly sparkling varieties . 300,000 vines have been planted in 2010 though interestingly over half were still wine varietals and planted outside the South East .

Six varieties of vines are premitted in Champagne , Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay  make up over 99% of the vines.Pinot Blanc, Petit Mesiler,and Arbane make up the remaining 0.27%.

Pinot Noir     13,072 ha          38.4%

Pinot Meunier   11,008 ha   32.34%

Chardonnay    9,868ha          28.99%

In England the bulk of plantings for Sparkling wine have been Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier has generally been relegated to an after-thought. The Champenoise may well be responsible for this, some houses not advertising it as part of their blends. Its longevity and aging potential is sometimes questioned . Yields in England are lower than for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay but they do seem to be more consistant. The wine quality is very good.

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