French Wine Exports To The U.S. Record Strong 2011: Wine Spectator

French wine and spirits exports hit $13 billion in 2011, and America was the dominant trading partner, providing 18% of that figure, reports Wine Spectator. Champagne sales grew 19% to $448 million in the U.S. last year, while Rhône sales grew 30% to $86.4 million and Loire wines rose 17% to $50.5 million. Burgundy is doing particularly well, with sales increasing 33% to $182 million. Alsace is also enjoying strong U.S. expansion, as Pinot Gris, Grand Cru whites and reds were up double-digits. Bordeaux, meanwhile, shipped 20 million bottles (1.7m cases) worth $169 million to the U.S. last year, with respectable 22% growth in volume and 28% growth in value. Notably, American consumers have been increasingly seeking out values from Bordeaux and other French regions at all price points, not just the top properties.