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We don’t need much of an excuse to pop open of bottle of bubbly here at Laithwaites HQ – and with World Champagne Day on Friday 27th October it seems even more fitting to delve into the illustrious world of Champagne.
Read on to discover the rich history of Champagne and some handy tips to make the most of this global day.
The seventeenth century and the “first” Champagne
Champagne has a rich history dating back centuries. France’s monarchs were crowned in Reims Cathedral from 816 to 1825, and had local wine served at these prestigious occasions. Although it wasn’t until the seventeenth century that these wines resembled what we now think of as Champagne, they held huge cultural significance. It’s how Champagne became known as "the wine of Kings and the King of wines”.
The first “Champagne Wines” were referenced in 1690. It’s around then that the first specific techniques for sparkling wine production were introduced, as well as the first time a wine was identified as being produced in a specific region – Champagne.
(Because Champagne only comes from Champagne.)
The 18th century champagne boom
“Come quickly, I am drinking the stars” - Dom Pérignon
Traditional wine bottles were not designed to withstand the pressure of sparkling wine. It is said that in French wine cellars 20 percent of bottles were lost to explosion! But come the 1700s, the techniques needed to make heavier glass arrived in France. 1728 also saw a Royal decree permitting wine to be transported in bottles.
The Champagne era (as we would recognise it) had begun. And throughout the 1700s, with increasing popularity, limited supply, the ongoing cost of explosions, plus research into creating the perfect sparkling wine, the cost of Champagne began to rise.
Of course, this only added to the wine’s appeal and Champagne quickly established itself as the favourite drink of European royals. Marie Antoinette supposedly ordered Champagne by the gallon for her extravagant parties (over 1,800 bottles were reportedly consumed in a single evening in 1732). While Champagne also made its way across the pond to America – George Washington ordered twenty-four bottles from Fenwick, Mason and Company to be sent to him in New York in 1789.
The arrival of iconic house such as Moët et Chandon (1743), Clicquot (1772), Heidsieck (1785) and Louise Roederer (1833) pushed Champagne’s reputation higher still. While marketing campaigns (like the 1880s campaign that likely popularised Dom Pérignon’s exclamation on ‘inventing’ Champagne, “come quickly, I am drinking the stars”) sealed the sparkling wine’s position as the wine of status and prestige.
Rebuilding a region
Up until the end of the 19th century, the Champagne wine-growing area was vast. However, in 1863, grape phylloxera reached Europe’s shores. This is an insect which feeds on the roots of grapevines, drying them out and destroying them. Virtually the whole of the Champagne area under vine was decimated.
In 1898, growers along with the main Houses, worked together to protect their common heritage and set up the Champagne Viticultural Association (AVC). The AVC was able to replant vineyards by grafting the Champagne vine shoot onto an American rootstock, which was resistant to the insect. But it was a long and laborious process and wasn’t complete until the 1930s.
Champagne and the World Wars
“Remember gentleman it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne.”
- Winston Churchill
In 1914, war arrived in Champagne.
The First World War turned the wine region into a battlefield – most of its people suffered physical or financial hardship and around 40% of Champagne’s vineyards were destroyed.
With Reims Cathedral specifically targeted by attacks, Champagne cellars were used as shelters. Makeshift schools and churches were created deep underground and, to this day, graffiti from those taking cover can still be seen on some of the cellar walls.
During the Second World War, The CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du vin de Champagne) was established. Unlike during WWI, the wine production area of Champagne stayed outside of the battle zone. In fact, Winston Churchill was famously heard saying to his troops, "Remember gentlemen, it's not just France we are fighting for, it's Champagne."
Protecting the legacy
With Champagne’s global reputation comes the need to protect the region and prevent the misuse of its name.
Legal protection for Champagne started as far back as the early 1900s. Then in 1935, the concept of the AOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) was introduced. The AOC sets the rules governing the making of a product on French territory. It started in wine and spirit markets, before extending to all agricultural products.
Thanks to the Comité Champagne’s daily dedication and monitoring, the Champagne designation is now recognised and protected in more than 121 countries.
But the work doesn’t stop there …
On the 4th July 2015, the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars were officially recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was a historic moment for the region, with Champagne’s unique heritage gaining global recognition – reflecting the hard work of generations of farmers.
Champagne on the big screen
“My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done … such as drinking Dom Perignon ‘fifty-three above a temperature of thirty-eight degrees Fahrenheit.”
James Bond, Goldfinger
As the ultimate drink of celebration and pinnacle of sparkling wine, Champagne has come to be heavily associated with glamour, prestige and success. Most notably in pop culture.
Whether it be in music, Hollywood or sporting events to celebrate a win, references have been made to Champagne by iconic personalities throughout history – including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn and Julia Roberts.
Here are some of our favourite Champagne moments:
Queen Victoria started the tradition of breaking a bottle of Champagne to christen new ships in 1891;
“Champagne Charlie” was a big hit in music halls and even inspired the "Charles Heidsieck Waltz" composed in 1895;
Marilyn Monroe was reported as having taken a bath in 350 bottles of Champagne;
James Bond was seen to enjoy a glass of Champagne in more than fifteen out of the twenty-five films;
And, who could forget Killer Queen’s iconic line: "She keeps Moët et Chandon in her pretty cabinet …”.
Celebrating World Champagne Day – Top Tips
Which bottle to choose?
Champagne holds a place in the most important celebrations of our lives – to toast our achievements, those we love and special occasions. So, when choosing a bottle our best advice would be to choose one that you love. There are a whole range of styles available, from a whole range of producers – with 370 Houses, 16,200 growers and 130 cooperatives registered in the region.
For a taste a history reach for the big names, such as Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée or Champagne Piper Heidsieck.
For a fine fizz from Champagne’s southern Aube region, try Champagne Gyéjacquot Millésime 2016.
But for excellent value, we have to recommend Laithwaites Blancs de Blancs Premium Cru.
What food to pair with Champagne?
You’ve got your bottle of bubbles chilling, you know all about the history and prestige of the Champagne region … Now, what to eat?
Champagne’s longevity also lives in its versatility, not only as an excellent aperitif and toasting drink, but also as one that goes with almost anything that you pair it with depending on the style you choose.
From a relaxed picnic to an evening soirée, Friday night fish and chips to a dinner party cheese board, social brunch to a traditional Christmas dinner – Champagne can be enjoyed anywhere and at any occasion.
One of our favourite cheeky pairings? Champagne and a takeaway. Trust us the high acidity and bubbles work an absolute treat with fatty foods. Champagne and cheese is another great choice – why not try a Blanc de Blancs with camembert or a Rosé Champagne next time you have goats cheese?
“Every time you open a bottle of Champagne, it's a celebration, so there's no better way of starting a celebration than opening a bottle of Champagne. Every time you sip it, you're sipping from all those other celebrations. The joy accumulates over time.” — David Levithan, “The Lover's Dictionary”
Each year, the fourth Friday of October marks Champagne Day, and this year it falls on Friday 27th October. It marks a moment to not just celebrate Champagne, but also the rich history, talented craftsmanship and the people who work hard to protect Champagnes future.
So pour yourself a glass of Champagne and raise a toast to a truly unique heritage … and delicious wine. Long may it continue!
Santé!
About the author
Jen Deacon
A WSET Wine Level 3 Wine & WSET Spirits Level 2 qualified copywriter, Jen has been part of the team since 2019 and a copywriter for over a decade. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her managing our team of expert wine writers as well as running the wine trade press office. Jen is passionate about all things wine and spirits, but has a particular fondness for Crémant, Tokaji dessert wine and a very cold Martini with a twist.
