Champagne
A Global History, Second Edition
‘This short volume, wittily illustrated and beautifully designed, is a pleasure both to look at and to consume. Which, given the subject matter, seems fitting.’ – The Spectator
‘A sparkling history of the world’s greatest wine. Stories, pictures and mouth-watering cocktails.’ – The Lady
Champagne signals celebration, fun and camaraderie, embodying luxury and decadence as the preferred drink for any toast. Now available in a revised and expanded second edition, Champagne explores the history of sparkling wines and the people behind them, from Dom Pérignon to Veuve Clicquot. Becky Sue Epstein traces the journey from the first French sparkling wines in 1531, produced by monks in Limoux, to modern vineyards across the Champagne region, Germany, Spain and the New World. She explains the science of fizz and bubble, proper storage and serving techniques, and the distinction between champagne and other sparkling wines. Whether you enjoy magnums of Cristal or aff ordable prosecco or cava, Champagne is an elegant, informative gift for wine lovers.
Becky Sue Epstein is an author and journalist in the fields of wine, spirits, food and travel based in Massachusetts, USA. She is the author of many books on wine, spirits and food, including Brandy: A Global History (2014) and Strong, Sweet and Dry: A Guide to Vermouth, Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala (2019), both published by Reaktion Books.