17 Champagne Facts And The History of Bubbly in France

Last updated on May 28th, 2024 at 07:29 am

There’s nothing quite like the pop of a champagne cork to set the tone for a celebration, is there?

As someone who lives in France and drinks her fair share of the bubbly stuff, I decided to go in search of some champagne facts and find out more about one of my favourite tipples.

From the royal courts of France to the toasts of today’s weddings and grand openings, it is synonymous with the rich and famous. 

But what makes Champagne, well, Champagne? How did a little bit of accidental chemistry create the world’s premier sparkling wine?

Let’s dive in and reveal the fascinating facts about France’s prized bubbly.

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Where Is Champagne From?

First things first, we need to know where champagne comes from. Champagne is in the northeast of France and there isn’t actually a town called Champagne, it’s a region.

It’s not far from Paris, about 56 to 75 miles to the east of the city, so it’s a great choice for a day trip.

Champagne consists of several wine-producing districts: Aube, Marne, Haute-Marne, Ardennes, and Aisne. These areas are collectively known for their vineyards and picturesque landscapes, contributing to the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

The specific rules of the appellation require that Champagne only be made using certain methods and from grapes grown in this designated area. 

The region’s unique chalky soil and climate contribute significantly to the distinctive characteristics of Champagne, making it unlike any other sparkling wine produced elsewhere.

17 Champagne Facts You’ll Want To Know

From how it’s drunk to where it came from, this sparkling French drink is the drink of choice for many. 

No 1 It’s All About Location

First off, there’s no grape or town named “Champagne.” The name is all about the region in North Eastern France where this bubbly is crafted. So, if it’s not from this specific corner of France, it’s not Champagne. It’s as simple as that!

No 2 Exclusive Naming Rights

Speaking of location, only sparkling wine from this particular region can legally be called “Champagne.” Even if a neighbouring French region produces a similar bubbly, they can’t use the prestigious name.

No 3 It’s better on the waistline

Good news for the health-conscious! Champagne typically contains fewer calories than red or white wine. A 750ml bottle has around 600 calories.

No 4 Twice as Nice

What sets Champagne apart from other wines is its double fermentation process. The first round gives you a still wine, and the second adds that iconic fizz. 

No 5 Global Production

France produces approximately 300 million bottles of champagne every year, making it the world’s leading producer of high-quality sparkling wines.

No 6 Temperature Sensitivity

The ideal serving temperature for Champagne is between 8°C and 10°C (46°F to 50°F)

No 7 Millions of Bubbles

A single bottle of Champagne can contain up to 49 million bubbles

No 8 Grapes Used

The primary grapes used in the production of champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. Each grape contributes distinct characteristics to the final product.

No 9 Blanc de Blancs and Blanc de Noirs

Blanc de Blancs champagnes are made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, while Blanc de Noirs are produced using Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier.

No 10 Non-Vintage vs. Vintage

Non-vintage champagne blends multiple years’ harvests to maintain a consistent house style, whereas vintage champagne is made from grapes harvested in a single year.

No 11 Aging Requirement

Non-vintage champagne must age a minimum of 15 months, including at least 12 months on its lees, while vintage champagnes must age for at least three years.

No 12 UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Champagne region of France is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its historical significance and cultural heritage.

No 13 Royal Beginnings

Historically, Champagne was the drink of French kings, enhancing its status and association with luxury and power.

No 14 Champagne Sabering

The practice of opening a champagne bottle with a sabre, known as sabrage, was popularised by Napoleon’s cavalry as a dramatic way to celebrate victories. 

If you’re a fan of Emily in Paris, this method of opening a bottle of champagne was part of a scene in Season 2, where Camille’s dad Gerard tries his hand at it with disastrous results.

No 15 The Champagne Coupe

A wide-brimmed glass supposedly modelled on the breast of Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France before the French Revolution. This story has been widely circulated but how true it is anyone’s guess.

No 16 The Flute Glass

The traditional flute glass enhances the champagne experience by allowing bubbles to rise to the top, concentrating the aroma for a better taste profile.

No 17 Export Markets

The United Kingdom has been one of the largest markets for champagne for several centuries, followed closely by the United States.

The Best Champagne Brands

Some of these brands have a history that dates back a couple of centuries and the stories behind them are fascinating.

• Moët et Chandon: Noted specifically for the Dom Pérignon label, it’s one of the most iconic and highest-selling brands globally 
• Veuve Clicquot: Known for its rich history and signature yellow label, Veuve Clicquot is a prominent name in champagne, celebrated for its full-bodied and consistent quality.
• Nicolas Feuillatte: One of the newer brands compared to its centuries-old competitors, Nicolas Feuillatte has quickly risen to become one of the best-selling champagnes globally, known for its appealing taste and accessibility.
• G.H. Mumm: Famous for its Cordon Rouge, G.H. Mumm maintains a strong presence in the champagne market with its bold flavours and association with sporting victories.
• Taittinger: With a history dating back to 1734, Taittinger is admired for its consistently high-quality cuvées and its use of a high proportion of Chardonnay.
• Pommery: This brand is noted for being a pioneer in creating the first brut champagne in response to changing British tastes, known for its freshness and finesse.
• Piper-Heidsieck: Renowned for its vibrant and robust champagnes, Piper-Heidsieck is often a favourite in the culinary world, appreciated for its quality and consistency.
• Lanson: With a history dating back to 1760, Lanson is known for its tradition of non-malolactic fermentation which gives its champagne a distinctive crispness and freshness.

Champagne Nutrition Facts

Here’s a quick guide to understanding the nutritional profile of Champagne:

• Calories: A standard 4-ounce serving of Champagne typically contains about 75-95 calories. This varies slightly based on the specific type of Champagne and its sugar content.
• Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content in Champagne can vary:
  • Extra-Brut Champagne has up to 0.9 grams of carbs per serving.
  • Brut contains up to 1.8 grams.
  • Extra-Dry offers between 1.8 to 2.55 grams per serving
• Sugar: The sugar level in Champagne significantly influences its calorie content. The drier the Champagne (lower sugar content), the fewer calories it contains.
• Serving Size: While most standard servings are 4 ounces, some establishments may serve 5-ounce glasses, increasing the caloric intake.
• Bottle Content: A full 750ml bottle of Champagne contains about 500-600 calories, which would equate to roughly six servings depending on the Champagne type.

The History Facts About Champagne

The Roman Roots

Before Champagne became the sparkling sensation we know today, the Romans were the first to plant vineyards in this French region. 

However, the wine they produced was still and more of a pale pinkish hue. The Romans laid the groundwork, but the bubbles were yet to come.

The Accidental Fizz

Enter Dom Pérignon, a Benedictine monk who joined the abbey in 1668. Contrary to popular myths, he didn’t invent Champagne. 

In fact, he was trying to eliminate the bubbles, which were considered a defect at the time. 

The bubbles were a result of halted fermentation during the cold winters. When spring arrived, the yeast resumed its activity, leading to the fizz. 

Dom Pérignon worked diligently to improve the quality of the wines, doubling the size of the terroir to 20 hectares and favouring Pinot Noir over other varieties. 

His meticulous methods laid the foundation for the Champagne we enjoy today.

The British Influence

While the French were trying to eliminate the bubbles, the British were embracing them. They even developed stronger glass bottles to withstand the pressure. 

The British market played a significant role in making sparkling Champagne popular.

The Rise of Sparkling Champagne

After the death of Louis XIV, the Duke of Orléans made sparkling Champagne popular among the French nobility. This led to the establishment of renowned Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, setting the stage for Champagne’s global acclaim.

The World Wars

The early 20th century was a challenging period for the Champagne region, as it became a battlefield during the World Wars. During the German occupation in World War II, soldiers stole more than 2 million bottles from winemakers in the Champagne region. 

Otto Klaebisch, a Nazi-appointed officer, was put in charge of the region and demanded as many as 400,000 bottles per week for Germany.

But the winemakers got their own back by hiding their best bottles behind secret walls in their cellars or mislabelling them.

François Taittinger of the eponymous house was even jailed for a few days for his insolence when he sent subpar Champagne to the Germans.

Modern Times

Today, Champagne is more than just a drink; it symbolises celebration and luxury.

The region produces over 200 million bottles annually, and its popularity has led to discussions about expanding the production zone to meet the ever-growing demand.

4 Fun Facts About Champagne

Before you go, I want to share some fun facts about champagne I learned when I visited La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux. If you’ve not been, it’s definitely worth going. Hubby and I spent three hours in there, and I could have spent longer.

It covers wine from around the world and has a fabulous 5 Senses Bar area that was a lot of fun. And that’s where I learned all about how champagne came into being and what makes it my favourite bubbly drink.

Not to mention that Bordeaux is such a great city and less than two hours from Paris.

• It Is The Devil’s Wine: In its early days, the pressure inside the champagne bottles was so intense that many would explode. This led to the wine being called ‘le vin du diable‘ or ‘the devil’s wine.’ Modern bottles are designed to withstand this pressure, making them far less devilish!

• The Net Worth of One Street: Avenue de Champagne in Épernay has millions of bottles stored in over 110 kilometres of subterranean cellars underneath the street making it one of the most expensive streets in the world.

• A Cork’s Liftoff: When popped, a Champagne cork can reach speeds up to 60 kilometres per hour (about 37 miles per hour), making it a fun but hazardous moment at celebrations! Always point that bottle away from the crowd.

• A Taste of the Stars: Legend has it that Dom Pérignon, often credited with inventing Champagne, called out to his fellow monks, “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” when he first tasted his creation of sparkling Champagne.

3 Famous People Who Loved Champagne

1. Winston Churchill reportedly drank over 42,000 bottles of champagne throughout his life. He is often quoted as saying, “Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!” 
2. Marilyn Monroe famously bathed in champagne in one story, using 350 bottles to fill her tub. Monroe’s love for champagne was part of her luxurious lifestyle and has become a part of her enduring legacy.
3. Oscar Wilde was known for his wit and love of the finer things in life, champagne being no exception. Wilde famously enjoyed champagne at lavish parties and as part of his daily routine.

FAQS: Facts About Champagne

Final Thoughts: Interesting Facts About Champagne

Now you know more about champagne and how it’s produced the next step is to visit the region and do some tasting.

Whether you go for a day trip or decide to stay in the Champagne Region, there is nothing like drinking the bubbly stuff in the place where it was created.