Number of varieties of heritage apples grown in Normandy to make Calvados, an apple brandy. The apples used for this northern French spirit are an example of an incredible range of biodiversity. By comparison, rum production uses only four types of sugarcane. There are currently 300 registered Calvados producers, although six account for 95% of all the Calvados produced.
Number of bottles produced of the 9th vintage of Gorgona, a wine made by prison inmates on the penal colony island of the same name. The wine— a blend of Vermentino and Ansonica— is a project by Tuscany’s famous Frecobaldi family as part of their “Frescobaldi for the social good” rehabilitation program.
Expected yearly sales (in billions of US$) of all oak wine barrels by 2026. According to the annual Global Wine Barrel Market Report, the industry is likely to experience 5.2% growth between 2020 and 2026. The top three-barrel makers Francois Freres, Oeneo, and Nadalie, have a 33% market share.
Number of millions of bottles of Champagne exported to the U.S. in 2020. The U.S. currently holds the # 2 spot among Champagne’s top export destinations. The United Kingdom leads with 21.3 million bottles imported last year. Japan ranks third with 10.8 million bottles.
Maximum percentage of sugar allowed in Champagnes labeled Brut Nature. Less than 3 grams of sugar per liter (equal to 0.3%) is allowed by law. But often a Brut Nature’s dosage is dosage zero — no sugar at all is added. This style is the driest and most austere of all Champagnes.
Number of growers in Champagne. Small growers collectively own 90% of all the vineyards in Champagne. Some produce their own wine, while others supply the largest Champagne houses. The average vineyard area a grower owns is 5.2 acres (2.1 hectares). There are only 360 Champagne houses in the entire region.
Number of companies accountable for 2/3 of the world’s beer supply. According to the publication Meininger’s, the beer industry has consolidated in recent years, with the top ten beer companies producing 32 million gallons of beer annually. The number one producer, Anheuser-Busch InBev, (which own over 600 beer brands including Budweiser, Bud Light, Corona, and Stella Artois) is responsible for a quarter of all global beer production followed by Heineken with 12% and Carlsberg with 6%.
Number of new Masters of Wine recently announced. There are now 419 MWs globally— 268 men and 151 women, working in 31 countries. Since the first exam in 1953, 496 people have become MWs. The U.K. has the greatest number of MWs— 209; while the U.S. is in second place with 57. After three years of study, MW candidates are allowed five attempts over six years to try and pass the notoriously difficult exam.
Number of countries that practice biodynamic farming according to Demeter standards. Biodynamic farming practices are constantly evolving and are considered some of the most sustainable methods in agriculture. The Demeter organization certifies biodynamic vineyards worldwide. However, many hundreds of wineries practice biodynamic farming, although they have not pursued certification.
Cost (in US $) for 4 guests for the “Lexus to Bottle Experience,” at Heitz Cellars’ new tasting salon in the Napa Valley. The experience includes wines and a tour of the winery’s vineyards and biodynamic farm— all via a chauffeured Lexus. Heitz Cellars, founded in 1961, made the first vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon in the Napa Valley— 1966 Heitz “Martha’s Vineyard” Cabernet. When it was released, that wine cost $7 a bottle, an astronomical price at the time —although not as pricey as the salon’s “Lexus” experience.
Year that the site jancisrobinson.com was founded. This week the company announced it had been sold for an undisclosed sum to Recurrent Ventures. Jancis Robinson will stay on as the editor-in-chief. The site, with subscribers in 82 countries, features reviews and articles by fifteen global wine writers and critics. Jancis Robinson, the author of 20 wine books, also advises the Queen of England on her cellar.
Number of American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) in California, more than any other state. September is California Wine Month. The US has a total of 258 AVAs which are approved by the TTB, (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.) Law requires that 85% of grapes must come from within the AVA for a wine to be labeled with that designation.
