Vin de Napkin - Champagne

Alice Feiring had a nice article in the Wall Street Journal magazine over the weekend. This isn’t a surprise as just about everything she writes is nicely wrought, researched and presented in her unmistakable voice.

The article paints a grim picture for Champagne in the short-term, certainly.

However, as Alice points out, the problem with Champagne sales in the U.S. isn’t necessarily an economic issue, it’s a marketing issue.  Champagne is burned into the retina of U.S. consumers minds eye as an infrequent special occasion wine and an uber-luxury.  Not a good combination, particularly when an off-dry Prosecco can be had for $15.  Marketing isn’t an issue that will be solved in more flush economic times.