Record year for French champagne but I'm a Tasmanian Arras man

French champagne had a stellar year in 2017 with 307 million bottles sold for a record 4.9 billion euros ($6.0 billion).

Australia was well up there on the export list with 8.5 million bottles and I confess to being a contributor. But one thing I must say that my considerable holiday consumption left me warming to the quality of a Tasmanian sparkling compared to the standard French champagne offerings.

I will drink Arras in preference to all but the very best French offerings.

The trophy winning 2003 Arras EJ Carr Late Disgorged is available on  online for $170 but I will settle for the 2008 Arras Grand Vintage for $70. A bargain buy.