The Romans first planted vineyards in the champagne region of France, it was a pinkish wine.
However, there was a problem making wines sparkle, and bottles strong enough to withstand the pressure.
In the 19th century Veuve Clicquot cracked it, starting the growth of the famous Champagne houses.
During the French Revolution, they tried to sell to both sides. When Napoleon invaded Russia, Heidsieck went ahead of the French Imperial Army as it advanced on Moscow with cases of Champagne, to sell to whoever won!
After the Napoleonic wars, the Champagne region was occupied by the Russians and during their occupation, they emptied the cellars of Champagne. This led At the time, Veuve Clicquot’s widow to say “Today they drink. Tomorrow they will pay”. She was right Russia became Champagne’s 2nd largest market!
The interesting thing about Champagne is that sparkling wine can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region, which is in the North-eastern part of France , just 75 miles from Paris.
Did you also know that Champagne can only be made from three tyrpes of grapes:
- Chardonnay
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Meunier grapes.
Did you also know that:
- Champagne was invented in 1697. …
- True Champagne is grown on just 33,4000 hectares of land.
- 300 million bottles of Champagne are produced every year.
- The most expensive bottle of Champagne costs $2.07 million!
- A standard bottle of Champagne (75cl) contains about 49 million bubbles!
Enjoy your champagne tonight!
10 questions to discuss:
- What challenges did the Romans face when they first planted vineyards in the Champagne region of France, and how did this affect the production of wine?
- Who was responsible for solving the problem of making wines sparkle in Champagne during the 19th century, and what impact did their innovation have on the region’s wine industry?
- How did Champagne producers attempt to navigate the political landscape during the French Revolution, and what unique strategy did one producer employ during Napoleon’s invasion of Russia?
- What consequences did the occupation of the Champagne region by the Russians during the Napoleonic wars have on the Champagne industry, and how did one notable widow of a Champagne house react to this?
- Why is it significant that only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be labeled as Champagne, and what distinguishes this region from others?
- What are the three types of grapes exclusively used in the production of Champagne, and why are these particular varieties chosen?
- When was Champagne invented, and what historical context surrounded its inception?
- How much land is devoted to Champagne production, and what does this limited land area signify for the industry?
- What is the approximate annual production of Champagne bottles, and how does this quantity reflect the popularity of the beverage worldwide?
- What is the record price for the most expensive bottle of Champagne, and what factors contribute to its extraordinary value?
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