Tightening the Noose

An action plan for a better Champagne

Today I would like to reflect on one month writing for SubStack and the reactions I have received so far. All in all, things have gone better than expected. I would lie if I did not admit to some trepidation when publishing articles pointing out the illegal practices in Champagne, or calling out the complete disregard for quality in a big chunk of Champagne’s grape supply. Still, since I had done my research, I knew I was merely telling the truth. Nevertheless, in Champagne, dirty laundry is not publicly aired, and many feel it is best to not rock the boat and therefore prefer to pay no heed to unsavory practices. Over the last month, I have been called many unflattering  names, and I have received an equally large amount of support. It’s been heart-warming to see the continuous interest and support for my writing, and I am grateful to everyone who has subscribed, financially contributed and or shared my posts! 

Because of your sharing and supporting, maybe next year things will change, at least where herbicides are concerned… I heard through the grapevine that my post on Champagne’s blatant disregard of the law -where I talked about the blank spraying of vineyards with glyphosate which is not authorized under ANSES regulations – was discussed in the CIVC’s technical commission.  I do hope this means that next year growers will receive reminders on which herbicides they are allowed to use, and what regulations they are supposed to respect. I also hope that grapes coming from vineyards that are sprayed outside of the law will be discarded from the appellation.

The buzz my writing has generated so far, has also piqued interest from other