The Times Online reports that the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, the champagne producers’ professional body, has released its most recent figures which show that Champagne sales are down for the first time in almost a decade, in a sign that champagne remains one of the most reliable barometers of the world economic climate.

In eight months, global sales have fallen by 2.6 percent. Exports to the US have suffered a particularly dramatic slump, down by 22 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2007. Sales in the UK are also down but only by 4 percent, and the French market, which accounts for 55 per cent of global champagne consumption, fell by 4.2 per cent.

Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, Mumm and Perrier-Jouet are amongst the celebrated champagne houses thought to have been hit by the fall.

The figures put an end to an annual worldwide rise in sales since 2000. This may actually be a little bit of good news for Champagne producers who have been struggling to keep up with demand for the past few years.

Also it may allow time for vineyards in the newly assigned Champagne districts to flourish before an increase in cork popping begins anew.