Today, October 28, is Champagne Day. Why not?
Global Champagne Day is celebrated on the fourth Friday in October. I wonder what happens if it falls on Halloween. My calculations say that it is not possible.
Of course, anyone over the age of 21 can participate and celebrate. naturally, it was created by a wine blogger (not me, however). My problem is that these bloggers insist that you drink champagne, not sparkling wine. In my limited view of the world, I saw drink whatever sparkling wine you want. And you can call it whatever you want. I do not care if it is Prosecco, Crémant, Cava, Lambrusco, Franciacorta, or Sekt. Any bubbles qualify, even Lawrence Welk’s bubble machine!
It just so happens that Prosecco is the most popular sparkling wine in the world. I am certain that pisses off the people in France’s Champagne region. Italy makes 27% of the world’s sparkling wine, whereas France makes only 22%. But most importantly sparkling wine production has increased by 57% since 2002. The world now produces about 2.5 billion bottles of sparkling. This constitutes 8% of the world’s wine production of 32,5 billion bottles.
Here are some interesting stats: the top 5 sparkling wine producers
- Italy, 660 million bottles
- France 550 million bottles
- Germany 350 million bottles
- Spain 260 million bottles
- United States 162 million bottles
I am trying to bring up the count for the US (haha!). But watch out for England, Brazil, Portugal, and Australia, as sparkling upstarts.
Interestingly, Germany is the largest consumer of bubbles, followed by France, US, Russia, and Italy. The two largest importers are the UK and the US.
What will happen if demand for sparkling wine decreases? Though champagne has the name and reputation, the other sparklings are getting closer in taste and quality. Plus, they are better valued. In fact, the second largest producing area in France is Loire with its crémant. Eight regions of France can make crémant, Alsace, Burgundy, Limoux, Loire, Jura, Die, and Savoie. My current favorite is the Limoux crémant, which I buy online for under $15 a bottle, including tax, and free shipping.
The consumption of bubbles in the US has increased 7% from 2008 to 2018. We are number three after France and Germany for consumption of sparkling wine. Basically, it amounts to 300 million bottles annually. Since a bottle of sparkling will last for at least two days, the most I can consume would be about 180 bottles annually. I would say it is well under 100 (figure about 2 per week), including dining out, parties, and other events.
Here are my current favorites:
Limoux crémant brut rose’ (my everyday sparkling)
Domaine Carneros brut and brut rose’ (special occasion)
Laetitia brut rose’ (special occasion)
Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose’ or Blanc de Blancs (about $200) rarely!
Ruinart Rose’ Champagne (not too bad at $65)
Again, whatever you do, enjoy Champagne Day, with whatever sparkling you enjoy, regardless of cost or origin!
I think I will have a Comtes or a Ruinart to celebrate!!!!
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