A solution for Champagne’s Chardonnay shortage?

As the demand for high-quality Chardonnay in Champagne begins to outstrip demand, one producer sees a solution for new sources in the south east of the appellation.

With the fashion for blanc de blancs Champagnes rising worldwide, maisons that specialise in fizz made from Chardonnay, such as Ruinart, have previously told db that any further sales growth is limited by the supply of high-quality white grapes in the region, particularly from the famous Chardonnay vineyards of the Côtes des Blancs.

Recording that “for great Chardonnay you need chalk, and certain slopes,” Frédéric Dufour, who is president & CEO of Ruinart, told db earlier this year that high-quality Chardonnay grapes have become the most “precious raw material” in Champagne – exacerbated by the….