We have in recent years seen more and more champagnes made by small producers who own their own vineyards. But this trend seems to have been a little bit interrupted lately. Between 2008 and 2014 sales of grapes to the big Champagne houses increased with the equivalent of 2644 hectares.
The association for young growers in Champagne (Le Groupe des Jeunes Vignerons de la Champagne) is worried about this development. The association is of the opinion that the growers should sell their grapes to a cooperative instead of the big houses. Otherwise the balance between the growers and the houses may be affected.
In the long run, it is feared that it could cause a drop in grape prices. The French market is slow at the moment, which could be one reason that growers choose to sell their grapes instead of making their own champagne.
Read more about grape sales to the big champagne houses on lavigne-mag.fr.
