Champagne - Becky Sue Epstein

From the smash of a bottle on the side of a new ship to the pop of
the cork at a New Year's Eve party champagne signals celebration, fun,
and camaraderie all over the world. Bubbly, as we affectionately call
it, is a symbol of luxury and decadence and the go-to drink whenever
there is an important toast. This history from Becky Sue Epstein is a
celebration of the world's most celebratory drink.

Here, Epstein chronicles champagne's story, from the world's first
sparkling wine, produced in Limoux, Languedoc, in 1531 by monks at an
abbey in Saint-Hilaire to the celebrities who made champagnes famous and
continue to do so today- from Dom Perignon to the widow Veuve Cliquot.
Most important, Epstein fully explains the distinction between champagne
and sparkling wine. In this informative chronicle, she answers whether
French champagne is really better than other sparkling wines and
elucidates the science behind that characteristic fizz and bubble. She
takes the reader on a tour of vineyards in wine regions around the world
and teaches the correct techniques for storing and serving champagne
and sparkling wines.

Whether you prefer magnums of Cristal or the affordable thrill of Cold Duck, Champagne
is an invaluable complement to any bubbly glass and an informative,
elegant gift for connoisseurs, beginners, and wine lovers of all kinds.