Champagne wrapped up a successful, early harvest this year, with many producers optimistic about its potential. But what might seem like much-needed light at the end of the dark tunnel that is 2020 was mired in turmoil, as Champagne's governing body dramatically cut the amount of grapes permitted to be harvested for the region. Growers who had extra fruit on their vines this year could opt to pay for it to be destroyed, or sell it to a distillery at a fraction of the price they would normally earn. Sound crazy? Senior editor Alison Napjus explains how it all makes sense in the long run and why the decision favors consumers.
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