THE WINES OF FRANCE.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 December 1918, Page 6

THE WINES OF FRANCE.

ENEMY ABANDON CHAMPAGNE. That there are between 80,000,000 and 100,000,000 bottles of champagne in Rhems, which the Germans have missed through"' having been driven j back on that sector of the front, is ! the opinion of Mr. Frank Hedges Butler, head of the famous firm of .wine importers and merchants 'that.bears his name. „..o. •, ! "Champagne," Mr. Butler added, '.'is coming into England in frequent lots of about 100 dozen each, the position regarding port is easier, and sherry* is arriving from Spain in German ships that have been seized by the Spanish Government in retaliation for U-boat outrages against their shipping," .. j There was, he said no shortage,of ! wine of any kind in the country, o'wing to the fact that none was being I shipped to America, Norway, or SweI den; but even the large stocks now held would rapidly .disappear should peace be declared in the near future, for, said Mr Butler, "everybody then wish to drink champagne." It is interesting to learn that German hocks and Moselles have been struck off wine mercahnts' lists, and this has given an impetus to white Sauternes and other light French wines, which are of excellent quality.