Champagne through crises, recession & growth Words by Antoine Hugot "Remember, gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne!"1 In the excitement of the Anglo-American offensive of 1917, champagne became a symbol of victory. Soldiers debarking in Nice were given the order of reaching the northeast corner of the hexagon to win back France. Since the beginning of the 17th century, champagne has continued to build its myth, alternating from periods favorabl

As the last days of pruning are approaching quickly, buds are beginning to swell with cool weather conditions this week - around -2°C. The downy inner covering is shed to reveal tiny pale green leaves among which we can already see the future fruit bunches holding microscopic grapes. Being a 3 to 4 month long task, the best growers will often postpone pruning to March, quoting the old country proverb : “taille tôt, taille tard, rien ne vaut la taille de mars” (prune early or