The manufacture of sturdy bottles was key to the evolution of sparkling wines.

Of Bubbles and Bottles: The Knight Who Invented Champagne

Stephen Skelton MW, 28.07.2021

Long intrigued by the history of sparkling wine, our author’s detective work pieced together a vital chapter in the genesis of sparkling wine. Here he introduces his book 'The Knight Who Invented Champagne'

The allegation of how “the English apparently invented the méthode champenoise” – the technique of adding sugar and yeast to still wine to make it sparkling – has long haunted me. Was it true, could it be true, how could it be true? The most celebrated Champenois, the monk Dom Perignon, is often credited with this discovery, so surely not the English?

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Of Bubbles and Bottles: The Knight Who Invented Champagne