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Origins of Champagne from France |
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Saturday, 02 September 2006 |
Wine from the Champagne region were already known even before medieval times. Churches owned vineyards and therefore their monks produced wine for use in the sacrament of Eucharist. The kings from France were traditionally anointed in Reims. Champagne wine flowed as part of festivity coronations. Kings appreciated the still, light, and crisp wine, and offered it as a homage to the other monarchs in Europe. In the 17th century, the wine of Champagne were the chosen wines for celebration in Europe. The English were the biggest consumers of Champagne wine, and drank a lot of sparkling wine. One of the first commercial sparkling wine was produced in the Limoux area of Languedoc about 1535. But they did not invent it; nobody knows who first made it, although the British make a reasonably good claim. Contrary to legend and popular belief, the French monk Dom Perignon did not invent champagne, although it is almost certainly true that he developed advances in the production of this beverage. Some people believe that champagne was created by accident, but no one has been able to prove that this was the case. Some others believe that the first champagne was made with rhubarb but was changed due to the high costs of production. Towards the end of the 17th century, the sparkling wine method was imported in the Champagne region, which was associated with specific procedures for production (including smooth pressing and dosage), and stronger bottles (invented in Britain) that could hold the added pressure. In around 1700, sparkling Champagne was invented. The leading manufacturers used considerable resources to creating a history and identity for their wine, associating it and themselves with nobility and royalty. Through advertising and packaging they persuaded the world to turn to champagne for festivities and to enjoy it as a luxury and form of conspicuous consumption. Their efforts coincided with the middle class that was looking for ways to spend its money on symbols of upward mobility in their class structures. In 1866, the famous entertainer and star of his day, George Leybourne (who called himself Champagne Charlie) started his career of making celebrity endorsements for Champagne. The Champagne maker Moet commissioned him to write and perform songs about the virtues of Champagne, especially as a reflection of taste, affluence, and the good life. He also agreed to drink Champagne in public. Leybourne was seen as highly sophisticated and his image and money did much to establish Champagne as an important element in enhancing social status. It was a business triumph the results of which endure to this day. English people liked the new sparkling wine and spread it all over the world. Brut Champagne, which is the modern Champagne, was created for the British in 1876. The Russian royalty also consumed huge quantities, preferring the more sweet styles.
David Richards is a long time spirit enthusiast. He has a site called <a href="http://www.productsfromspain.net">Products from Spain.net</a> where different of beverages are offered.
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