Was there a major CIA operation covering up the existence of Champagne in 1972? Was "Sparkling Wine" served at the Republican National Convention that year? And what about the Democrats? I stumbled upon this map of France produced by the CIA in 1972 at the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas, Austin. Curiously, the area around Reims is completely devoid of vineyards. And just to be safe they've eliminated all grapes in a 150 mile radius of Reims, which means no Pouilly Fumé, Sancerre or Chablis either. Wait, forget about CDP and Côtes du Rhône as well! Are we dealing with a cover-up, Richard Helms' personal tastes or just plain bungling? Obviously this map asks more questions than it answers . . .
Champagne-gate?
Was there a major CIA operation covering up the existence of Champagne in 1972? Was "Sparkling Wine" served at the Republican National Convention that year? And what about the Democrats? I stumbled upon this map of France produced by the CIA in 1972 at the Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas, Austin. Curiously, the area around Reims is completely devoid of vineyards. And just to be safe they've eliminated all grapes in a 150 mile radius of Reims, which means no Pouilly Fumé, Sancerre or Chablis either. Wait, forget about CDP and Côtes du Rhône as well! Are we dealing with a cover-up, Richard Helms' personal tastes or just plain bungling? Obviously this map asks more questions than it answers . . .
