Yes, another note on champagne, one on more champagne. The production in the Champagne region has shot up substantially over the last 50 years or so. Here are some numbers (source: CIVC/the Drinks Business):
Total shipments: In 1950 shipments reached 33 million bottles. 2008 the number was almost ten times as much: 322 million. Shipments to the UK grew from 3 million to 36 million.
Yields: the harvest yields are always an interesting subject of discussion when looking at wine regions. In Champagne it is measured in kg/ha. Around 50 years ago the average smoothed yearly yield was 3-4000 kg/ha. Today it has reached 15,000 kg/ha. That is equivalent to approximately 100 hl/ha. (Source CIVC/the Drinks Business)
