Global Champagne Day – 27th October 2023

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1.The Birth of Bubbles: Blanquette de Limoux and Méthode Traditionnelle

Our journey into the world of sparkling wine begins in the early 16th century in the quaint town of Limoux, nestled near Carcassonne, France. It was here that the oldest recorded sparkling wine, Blanquette de Limoux, made its debut in 1531. Legend has it that Benedictine monks in the Abbey of Saint-Hilaire stumbled upon the sparkling magic by bottling wine before its initial fermentation had completed. Little did they know that this accidental discovery would lay the groundwork for centuries of sparkling wine production.

Fast forward a century, and an English scientist by the name of Christopher Merret enters the scene. In 1662, he documented a groundbreaking technique – the addition of sugar to finished wine to induce a second fermentation. This method, now known as the ‘méthode traditionnelle,’ was a pivotal moment in the history of sparkling wine. However, it would take nearly two centuries for this method to find its way into champagne production, marking the beginning of its transformation into the bubbly we know and love today.

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2. The ‘Devil’s Wine’: Accidental Sparkles and the Muselet’s Arrival

In France, the journey to perfecting champagne was marked by accidents and explosive encounters. Early sparkling wines were infamously dubbed the “Devil’s Wine” due to bottles frequently exploding or corks popping unexpectedly, a result of the pressure building within. At the time, these effervescent bubbles were seen as a fault rather than a feature. It wasn’t until 1844 that Adolphe Jaquesson introduced the muselet, a wire cage, to secure the cork firmly in place. This ingenious invention put an end to the perilous popping of corks and allowed champagne to be enjoyed without fear of a fizzy explosion.

At the turn of the 19th century, champagne was a regional delight, with the Champagne wine region producing a humble 300,000 bottles annually. While cherished by locals and a few fortunate visitors, its fame had yet to spread beyond its borders. However, as the century progressed, a remarkable surge in production unfolded. By the year 1850, the annual production of champagne had surged to a staggering 20 million bottles. This exponential growth was a testament to the craftsmanship of Champagne’s winemakers and the growing appreciation for this effervescent elixir.

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3. The 19th-Century Boom: From Regional Production to Global Sensation

The 19th century witnessed a remarkable surge in champagne production. In 1800, the region produced a modest 300,000 bottles annually. However, by 1850, that number skyrocketed to a staggering 20 million bottles per year. Champagne was on its way to becoming a global sensation.

During this era, champagne was notably sweeter than what we enjoy today. The shift towards drier champagnes began when Perrier-Jouët made the audacious decision not to sweeten the 1846 vintage before exporting it to London. This marked the birth of ‘brut’ champagne in 1876, a term coined for the British market to denote the driest champagne, containing less than 0.4 ounces of added sugar per liter.

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4. The Legacy of 19th-Century Champagne

The legacy of 19th-century champagne is still with us today. The global phenomenon of champagne, enjoyed and celebrated across continents, owes much to the pioneers and innovators of this era. The transition from a modest regional production to a worldwide sensation is a testament to the enduring appeal of this effervescent wine.

As we raise a glass of champagne to toast our most joyous moments, let us also raise a glass to the 19th-century visionaries who transformed a local delight into a global icon. The story of champagne is a tale of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to excellence that continues to sparkle in every bubble of this beloved wine.

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