The Champagne

CHAMPAGNE 🥂

18th century — French-style effervescence

Synonymous with festivity, elegance and celebration, Champagne is now one of the most prestigious symbols of French savoir-faire. Yet its famous bubbles are the result of centuries of experimentation and refinement.

Wine had been produced in the Champagne region for much longer, but sparkling wine experienced a true boom during the 18th century, as winemakers in Champagne gradually learned to better control the second fermentation in the bottle that creates its characteristic bubbles.

The first major Champagne houses began to emerge, including Ruinart in 1729, helping to spread its reputation. Highly prized in European royal and aristocratic courts, Champagne gradually became the wine of special occasions, luxury and celebration.

Its production still relies on meticulous craftsmanship today, from harvesting and blending to the second fermentation and ageing in the cellars.

Since 2015, the Champagne Hillsides, Houses and Cellars have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognizing a tradition and savoir-faire that have become emblematic of France.

French bubbles to celebrate life’s little moments and its greatest occasions