Product Details

• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

From the Inside Flap
From its very beginnings as a still wine, Champagne has always had its admirers and today stands as one of the great classic wines of the world. This definitive guide takes us on a journey through the region of Champagne, looking at its history, its climate and its people. It documents the origins of Champagne as a still wine and, via the appointment of of a young monk, Dom Pierre Prignon, as Cellarer at the Abbey of Hautvillers, its evolution into the sparkling wine that we know today. The book examines in detail the process of wine-making and the grape varieties used and introduces the reader to the Champagne makers, from the small growers to the great houses of the region. The author also shares with us her informative notes on the vintages for each year since 1945.

Customer Reviews

The Ultimate Reference on Champagne
While there are many books about Champagne and sparkling wines in general, describing the bubbles and colors, there are very few that go into the history and background of this most famous celebratory drink. That's where "Champagne" comes in!

This book begins with the geology of the Champagne region, located northeast of Paris. It describes the chalk beds and limestone that forms the basis of the soil, and how these conditions are perfect for the grapes that make up Champagne.

Next, "Champagne" goes into the early history of the region, describing the various groups that fought over the soil, explaining how the conversion to Christianity of its early holders led to foundations of monastaries. These monastaries becames the curators of the vineyards, developing vineyard techniques and blending systems.

The important developments necessary for a sparkling wine are covered - the thicker bottles, the cork to seal the bottle, and of course Dom Perignon, the blind monk whose keen palate and in depth knowledge led to the beginning of a reputation for this region.

The laws over the years are covered in depth, with histories of the regulations given. The book describes purning systems and vineyard techniques, explaining how the grapes are grown. It lists the famous "Champagne widows" who furthered the cause of many wineries here.

The appendices list the members of the Union of Wine Producers, gives the Bollinger Charter of ethics and Quality, describes the seven orders in Champagne, provides a vintage chart, and gives a full list of all premiere crus.

This would definitely be the book for someone who has already gone through the "introduction to Champagne" books, and now wants an in depth history of the region, its geology, its policital background and legislative situations.

Prost Maggie!
This is a delightful little book...and the only one I'll ever need in reference to champagne and the Champagne region. It contains maps, lists of all the wine producer's union, history of the region and growing information. I would have liked the book more had it included some actual photos, but if you want to learn about champagne, This is your one and only book. I'll definitely bring it with me the next time I visit Epernay!