The herald., 1896-04-27
THE SUPPLY OF CHAMPAGNE
The Inspiring Drink Now Pientifui, but the
Demand Is Lesscni1g


Lovers of champagne will he glad to
KNOW that a sensible relaxation is being
made by the shippers of the wine in the
prices demanded for the 1892 vintage.
when Is now passing into merchants
hands. IL the consumer should reap the
uitiinate benefit of this wise change OF
poiicy-and there is no reason for suppos-
'ng that he will not, at all events, share in
it-an appreciable impetus will doubtless
be given TO the trade in champagne. The
VINE has always maintained its popularity
both i'll England and abroad, in spite of
what might well be regarded as prohlb,,
tive prices. In this country it is required
to bear only n comparatively light import
duty. but in the United States, for in
stance. the tariff presses upon it with ex-
ceptional severity, and even there it is
in steady, trough not growing, demand.
1t viii probably remain in favor among
the wealthier classes, whatever the condi-
tions as to price; but there is no doubt
that it's enhanced cost in the last few years
has compelled many would-De consumers
in England to partially desert it infavor of
sill wines, or more frequently, perhaps, OF
whisky and soda 1t would be wrong to sup
pose that the difference between former and
recent prices has represented SO much
gain to the shippers. Except in 1893,
there has not been really abundant vinI-
age in champagne for some years, and the
comparative scarcity OF wine Induced the
shippers TO pay eXorbitant rates to the
growers in years like 1889 and 1892; for,
generally speaking, the shippers are not
extensive vineyard proprietors, and make
up their cuvees with the selected produce
OF various districts. Moreover, the de-
mand in this country is now for an abso-
lutely dry wine, which means au increase
in the cost of production. Although only
the purost cane sugar and the finest wine
are used for the purpose OF iiqueuring, 1t
may be laid down as a general proposition
that the dryer the wine the greater Will be
the security as to its purity, because the
llqueur will cover defects which would be-
come apparent withoutit. AS there Is Ut
tie champagne consumed IN Englands
which is not quite drythat is, entirely
free from added liqueur-the public have
the best guarantee possible in regard 10
the eenuineness of the wine, but this all
means an addition to the cost OF produc-
ton.
Champagne prepared for America con-
taius something like 4 per cent OF lqueur;
the proportion in vino Intended for Ger
many and France is still higher, while the
Russians prefer as much as IL per cent
and even more. An E1glishman accus-
toned to the type of wine consumed IN
this country would not touch that which Is
in favor in Russia, and there is no doubt
his palate would be right. The various
circumstances we have referred to COL
,ributed to the increase in price, but in one
important respect they have now ceased to
be felt. In 1913 the Marine department,
which is the home of The champagne indus
try, yielded more than l6,000,0u0 gallons
of wine, whereas the quantity in 1892 was
less than 8 3.00G, ,n90 gallons; and tue ship
pers were able to buy on practically their
own terms in the abundant year, with the
result that they are holding unprecedent.
edjy large stocks. At the beginning of last
April. indeed, there were over hundred
million bottles in shippers caves, while
the quantity of wine III casks was only
very little short of l0,000,0 900 gallons.
During the last few years the demand
has been contracting rather than expand
ing. and, looking at this fact in connection
with the enormous stocks. reduction OF
price seems to be inevitable. 1t is natural
that the shippers should desire to dispose
OF the 1895 vintage at such rates as Will
return profit; but those who have made
up their minds to lose somethin on the
1S92's and to recovery it on the S93's-
which were, to them, only half or third
as costly as The others-as following the
wiser policy in the real interests of the
trade. There is plenty of go,d wine avail
able--the quality given in champagne gem
orally has undoubtedly improved-and in
these circumstances it would be fatal
mis- AXE to cling to high price when
lower one might be accepted. Champagne
is the most inspiring of all drinks, but il
the inspiration be made too expensive peo-
pie OF moderate means will be obliged tc
forego it.-Pall Mall Gazette.