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The number of standard bottles a Methuselah holds, about 40 glasses. Many large bottles (mostly used for Champagne) carry the name of biblical kings. Methuselah, however, was not a king. Instead, he was distinguished by his incredible longevity, living 969 years. Long live Champagne!

One of the 10 top sparkling wines sold in supermarkets last year was a Champagne. Which one was it?

A. André

B. Moët & Chandon

C. Veuve Clicquot

D. Perrier Jouët

With 90,000 cases sold in supermarkets, Veuve Clicquot came in Number 6 in supermarket sales of sparklers in 2020, according to the industry magazine Market Watch. Veuve Clicquot was also the most expensive sparkler in the top ten, selling in supermarkets for an average price of $54 a bottle. Moët & Chandon didn’t make the top ten supermarket sparklers list (it was Number 16). And Perrier Jouët was not in the top 20. Good for you if you knew that André was a trick answer. It’s not a Champagne; it’s made in California by E & J Gallo. It came in 4^th in supermarket sales, costing an average of $6. a bottle

“Climate change is happening. The start date of each vintage moves forward by a week per decade. Burgundy won’t be making Pinot Noir in 20 years as it will be too hot; they’ll be making Shiraz and still Pinot production will move to Champagne and England. There is a very real possibility that if the effects of global warming get too severe, Barolos won’t be made from Nebbiolo since it’s such a sensitive variety and needs such specific conditions. Global warming is going to completely re-set the game. Bordeaux is going to have massive problems.”

— Chester Osborn, winemaker, d’Arenberg Winery (Australia) as quoted in The Drinks Business

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