Champagne producers expect to reach record sales growth again by the year 2013, an expert has claimed.

Speaking to Harpers Wine & Spirit Trades Review, Giles Fallowfield said growers in the Champagne region will make 315-320 million bottles of wine in 2010.

However, the production area in the region will be expanding to 34,000 hectares in the next few years, which will result in an annual output reaching 400 million bottles, he told the publication.

This will leave the region in a stronger position than the one it held before the economic crisis. "Prior to the economic downturn it was becoming a real concern for Champagne that demand would soon outstrip supply," Mr Fallowfield added.

Wine critic Elin McCoy recently told Bloomberg that smaller Champagne producers are starting to create a real buzz on the New York restaurant scene, as enthusiasts look for good quality alternatives to the major labels.

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