Despite what the French may tell you, 'Champagne' wine was not invented by the famed monk Dom Pérignon - it was the English! It is largely thanks to 17th-century scientist Christopher Merrit and the superior glass production techniques in England that we have champagne today; though the myth of Perignon stuck better than the truth, and his name is now associated with the prestige cuvee of Moet & Chandon. Now 'Champagne' can refer only to sparkling wine of a certain style, produced in the Champagne region. But while it's the most famous type, don't overlook the extraordinary range of other sparkling wines available, like prosecco and methode traditionelle.
Despite what the French may tell you, 'Champagne' wine was not invented by the famed monk Dom Pérignon - it was the English! It is largely thanks to 17th-century scientist Christopher Merrit and the superior glass production techniques in England that we have champagne today; though the myth of Perignon stuck better than the truth, and his name is now associated with the prestige cuvee of Moet & Chandon. Now 'Champagne' can refer only to sparkling wine of a certain style, produced in the Champagne region. But while it's the most famous type, don't overlook the extraordinary range of other sparkling wines available, like prosecco and methode traditionelle.