The Myth of Dom Pérignon

Source: Acceptance Pages | April 27, 2012

There's this persistant myth about Dom Pérignon, known to us all as The Inventor of Champagne. And that's just it, he wasn't! This big, jolly and blind Monk was in fact not even blind and he struggled his whole live trying to avoid the fizz presenting itself in his wines. He was quite unhappy with it.

There are some indications that the English invented sparkling wine or at least wanted the tiny bubbles to appear. No one knew exactly what made wines sparkling at the time. Scientists, the French and the English will probably never agree on who was the first to control the process. Never mind, it's the drink that's important!

To understand the history of the drink Le Champagne, one needs to understand the history of the region, La Champagne. It is filled with war, death and destruction but also with economic high times and prosperity. The region has at least as much contradictions in it as does the sparkling wine. Sweet and Sauer, easygoing and stubborn are simultaneously present. One thing you cannot deny the Champenois: Perseverance and Entrepreneurship. It's just one tiny region compared to the whole world which is synonym for luxury and fun.

Birth of La Champagne
Although La Champagne was the European battlefield of choice for centuries, and the Champenois had been invaded and plundered by several barbaric tribes they never left. Around 52 BC it were the Romans who, quite literally actually, gave roots to La Champagne. It has been said that they were the ones planting the first vignes and with that paving the road (they all lead to Rome anyway) for the world's most famous wine: Champagne!

By the way, the label Dom Pérignon is of course of great quality and one should never pass up having a sip! If you are into great Champagne, try the Boutique Champagne by Penet-Chardonnet.

Click here for our company profile

La Maison du Champagne