Fine wine news

Champagne could be making more headlines this year as the fizz diversifies and new markets are opened.

According to predictions by The Drinks Business, as new markets develop there are opportunities for growth for Champagne, while old markets will seek out new styles.

One of the key trends set out by the news provider is the emergence of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries as investors in Champagne. While the Asian market is a strong one – shipments increased 89 per cent between 2009 and 2010 – growers could put greater focus on South America and Russia while China still heads after Bordeaux and Burgundy.

Indeed, the news provider reported that over the same period, Brazil's Champagne shipments increased by 63 per cent and Russia's demand for fizz saw shipments rise by 87.6 per cent, although interest is spread across all categories of Champagne.

In the UK, interest in Champagne remains strong, although wine merchants have recently said that consumers are buying prosecco and English sparkling wines instead.

"The UK is still number one for export," stressed Paul Beavis, managing director of Lanson International. He told The Drinks Business: "Other markets are exciting but are growing from a small base so the percentage growth looks very nice.

"They will continue to grow but we don't know that they will continue to grow at the same rate so Champagne should never ignore the UK; it's so important and very mature and consumers are looking for more engagement."

Elsewhere, investors could see the price of Champagne rise this year as grape prices continue to increase, while 2012 could also be a year for limited edition Champagne and past vintages as the grandes marques look to release more library stock.

Sustainability will also come to the forefront of the entire wine making business, it was reported, although Champagne could take a lead on this front as the region looks to go green.

Posted by Paula Henderson