Dom Pérignon was a Benedictine monk who was born in the 17th century and who’s widely credited with the invention of Champagne.
An ambitious winemaker, Pérignon devised ways to refine the process of refermentation, the process that gives Champagne its bubbles (and, in the worst of circumstances, can explode). He helped to establish rules about using Pinot Noir grapes, pruning vines, harvesting in cool, damp morning weather, blending grapes before processing them, and the other fine points of Champagne production that are still used today.
Still, many historians now believe that English scientist and physician Christopher Merret ”invented” Champagne 30 years before Pérignon, who was also said to have been blind (another point that historians discount).
Myths die hard, however, and many people still believe Pérignon’s first taste of sparkling wine inspired the famous quote, “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars!” (Others contest this was an ad slogan dating from the late 19th century.)
Whatever the facts, his namesake Dom Pérignon Champagne, which has been around since 1936, is a favorite of James Bond and one of the world’s most exclusive bottles of bubbly. It’s produced by the house of Moët & Chandon.
