12:01 am, January 1st. At the kitchen table Harold and Dr. Wetbrain were sipping on an 80-dollar bottle of Champagne out of their old coffee cups. Classy.
Squinting his eyes at the doctor Harold questioned him, “Why is Champagne so damn expensive? It’s just sparkling wine.”
“Good question Harold. Let me tell you why.”
A partially known rule is that Champagne sparkling wine comes from the Champagne region of Northern France and any other sparkling wine with the Champagne name is not true Champagne.
The discovery of the bubbly Champagne wine was in the Middle Ages, all by accident. In the early 1700s due to very cold climate stopped the wine fermentation. Then spring came and started the fermentation process to begin again which caused a chemical reaction releasing carbon dioxide. Thus, the bubbles. Around 1715 the king of France, Huge Capet served this sparkling wine during his fancy affairs. Which made Champagne popular with the rich and famous since then.
3 Reasons true Champagne is Expensive.
1) First there is the restricted region of Champagne territory which is only 34400 hectares. Only 84000 acres are dedicated to grape vineries.
2) This region has perfect weather climate for the grapes to thrive. Unfortunately, climate change is coming. Or already here. That will drive prices up!
3) Unique mineral composition in the rich soil that is part of that special Champagne region. The grapes love it.
Main districts of the Champagne Region.
“So, Harold now you know why Champagne Sparkling Wine is expensive. Happy New Years buddy. Drink up.” Dr. Wetbrain concluded.