GRAPE ESCAPES - STILL WINES
Still Wines used in the Champagne Region
Vineyards were planted in the Champagne region as long ago as Roman times. Initially, Churches owned the vineyards and Monks produced the wines, primarily for use as communion wine in the Eucharist. Still wines from the Champagne region were served at the coronation of all of the Kings of France prior to the end of the 17th Century, as they were crowned in the Reims Cathedral.
During this time there was a constant 'battle' between the Champenois and the Burgundians to produce the best wines. The wines from Burgundy were excellent, and the wines from Champagne could not match their strength and flavour, due to the colder, northern climate.
Although it is claimed that Benedictine Monk Dom Perignon invented Champagne whilst at the Abbey of Hautvilliers just outside Epernay, Champagne was actually 'invented' by Christopher Merret in England, six years before Dom Perignon set foot in Hautvillers!
So, to read about how Champagne was REALLY invented, in England, see what work Christopher Merret did in 1662.