10,000

Approximate number of châteaux in Bordeaux. In 2016 (latest available stat), these châteaux made nearly 770 million bottles of wine, the highest production the region has had in the past decade. Of the total wine made in Bordeaux, 85% is (not surprisingly) red. Curiously, 1% is sparkling crémant.

Where does the name Champagne come from?

A. It was the name of the family who made the first sparkling wines in Champagne’s Marne Valley

B. It was the name used by the Romans, referring to the chalky and limestone soils of the region

C. The name is derived from Latin words for the countryside around the city of Reims

D. Champagne was an early name for the ancient observation that crushed grapes would produce a liquid that bubbles

The name Champagne was first used in the sixth century and is derived from campagnia remensis, a Latin term for the countryside around the city of Reims. There is only one appellation in Champagne—Champagne—but the region encompasses five main vineyard areas: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs, Vallée de la Marne, Côte de Sézanne, and Côte des Bar (also known as Aube).

“[Great Oregon pinot noir] … is about the complete power of gracefulness. When I’m drinking a pinot noir, I want it to taste like Grace Kelly just walked into the room.”

—Rollin Soles
Winemaker, Roco Winery
Founder and former winemaker, Argyle Winery

10,000

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