Why “New Generation?” Champagne has a centuries long history of being a wine of luxury. A wine for the elite or a wine only suitable for celebrations and special occasions and this has played well for the champagne industry. Afterall, when you are the king’s favorite wine you have a much better chance for survival during difficult times. Fortunately, that is beginning to fall into the shadows as more and more people realize that first, champagne is a wine, and like all other wine it should be enjoyed without a need for celebration. It’s still fun to pop a bottle for celebrations, of course, but it’s just as fun to pop a bottle on a Saturday afternoon with a movie and a bowl of popcorn.
The average age of champagne consumers is dropping. Younger wine enthusiasts are intrigued by the range of champagne options now available and wines beyond those produced by the “big guys” are now gaining recognition. Small production wines in general are becoming more appreciated and sought after and champagne has a very large selection of small production wines from which to choose. This new generation of consumers has enjoyed educating themselves on the nuances of the wine regions, learning more intimate details about the production of the wine, and exploring wines they may not have previously seen or even read about.
On our last visit to Champagne we also noticed that the average age of the champagne producer appears to be dropping. Many domains are transferring the reigns of production to the next generation and the new generation is not afraid to make changes. Many of these young producers are experimenting with production methods that differ from those of their parents. In some cases, the production methods almost seem to be going back to a much earlier style of wine making in Champagne. Oak barrels are replacing the stainless-steel tanks, riper grapes are being harvested resulting in lower dosage levels, and creativity with planting and blending are becoming more common. Coteaux Champenois wines are also beginning to appear on most lists around the region and many younger producers are enjoying creating this style of wine. Most nights at dinner we sat near groups of young winemakers who were collaborating and tasting wine and just enjoying the companionship and the wines in a more relaxed way than we’ve seen in the past. There was a much more casual and creative feel to the entire experience which we believe is indicative of what’s to come.
