The Gallo-Roman
empire
The first Champagne vineyards
were planted by the Romans
from the 3rd century A.D. onwards
5th to
17th centuries
Champagne wines became
known thanks to the coronation
of French kings in Reims
and the famous Champagne fairs.
18th
century
At the end of the 17th century,
the use of the bottle to transport
the wine (previously in casks)
led to appearance of bubbles:
this was the birth of
the Champagne method.
This sparkling “vin diable”
(the devil’s wine) quickly
found favour with European
monarchs and aristocrats,
becoming the symbol
of luxury and celebration.
Today
Champagne is synonymous
with parties, victory
and celebrations.
Champagne is home to both
growers
and
houses.
Established in 1941,
the Comité Champagne
is the umbrella association created to manage the interests of the Champagne sector.
The organisation brings together
all the Champagne growers
and cooperatives,
represented by
the Syndicat général
des vignerons,
and all the
Champagne houses,
represented by
the Union des Maisons
de Champagne.
Its aim is to drive economic growth.
It seeks to establish
an equal partnership between Champagne growers and houses and pursues a
policy of continuous quality improvement.