ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Bubbles that built an empire: The story of champagne

Greetings, fellow wine lovers! Today I want to give some fizz to your knowledge by exploring the unique history of one of the world's most beloved sparkling wines: champagne. 

Unlike many wines that can be produced anywhere, true champagne comes from the Champagne region of France. The cold northern climate and chalky limestone soil lend a bright acidity to the grapes grown there — perfect for capturing bubbles!  While various ancient Greek and Roman texts mention sparkling wines, Champagne’s intentional production begins in the 17th century when a Benedictine monk named Dom Pérignon experimented with bottling still wines before initial fermentation finished. The carbon dioxide created in the fermentation process was trapped inside these thick bottles and — voilà! — the earliest champagnes were born.

The venerable Maison Ruinart, founded in 1729, stands as the first established champagne house in France and the earliest endeavor exclusively dedicated to crafting the French region’s iconic sparkling wines. Originating in the 1600s under Dom Thierry Ruinart’s direction, the house was officially established by his nephew Nicolas Ruinart almost a century later. Situated over Gallo-Roman chalk cellars in Reims, the underground tunnels proved ideal for producing fine champagne. Through the 1800s, Ruinart champagne gained acclaim and prestige clientele amongst French and Russian nobility, being supplied to figures like Balzac and Dumas alongside wealthy aristocrats. Today the house continues to marry tradition and innovation under Maison Ruinart’s ownership, one of champagne’s oldest families now into their 10th generation preserving 300 years of winemaking heritage while also pushing boundaries with cutting-edge cuvées. From pioneering beginnings to modern mastery, Ruinart laid the groundwork cementing champagne as an icon of celebration and luxury.

By the early 1800s, refinements in production made champagne bubbles enjoyable rather than explosive. Thick transitioned to thinner glass, creating stronger bottles less prone to shattering under pressure. And corks helped contain the magical effervescence. The new vintages were delightful! The world’s nobility couldn’t get enough. From the extravagant parties of the Russian tsars to Napoleon’s conquest celebrations, champagne flooded aristocratic soirees. Its regal reputation grew.

The fame even gave birth to iconic champagne houses like Moët & Chandon. Founded in 1743, this house had a longstanding relationship supplying the royal French court. Today it remains a hallmark luxury brand. Then there’s Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin. Madame (Veuve) Clicquot took over her husband’s small wine merchant business after his death and built it into a champagne powerhouse. Her advancements like using corks and creating the “table” process to remove sediment made champagne clearer and cleaner. Bottles from vintage years long-ago still drink delightfully!

So, what sets champagne apart from other sparkling wines today? Four main factors: location, permitted grapes, production method, and aging. Only champagnes produced in Champagne can bear the name “Champagne.” Pinot noir, pinot meunier, and chardonnay are the only approved grapes, with strict vine-growing regulations. Bottle fermentation via the méthode champenoise captures those magical bubbles by halting initial fermentation with temperature and sulfites! Finally, even non-vintage champagnes require a minimum 15-months aging on the sediment-rich lees to develop unparalleled complexity.

The proof is in the pop of the cork as fine pinprick bubbles lift aromas of brioche and orchard fruits. So, the next time a celebration comes around, choose true French champagne! Its regal heritage in a glass deserves a toast as we say cheers to three centuries of enchanting effervescence! And don’t forget to come into the Dinner Party to explore our expansive selection of Champagnes worth a pop and fizz this holiday season.

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Laura Olson is co-owner of The Dinner Party along with her partner, Joe Petersen. You can also follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/#!/dinnerpartyshop or visit www.thedinnerpartyshop.com.