History of Dom Perignon

Dom Perignon, aptly named after Moet and Chandon's most prestigious cuvee (vat), is known today as some of the world's most expensive bubbly. Dom Perignon, the man, is equally impressive.

Dom Perignon was born in 1638 in Saint-Menahould, located in the Champagne region of France. Some say that although he became a Benedictine monk at 19, he was destined to do something great with wine. At that time, French wine was mostly red and flat - far from the white, sparkling wine that would be later known as champagne.

There are many misconceptions about Dom Perignon; he did not invent sparkling wine or champagne. But if he can take full credit for one thing it is that he perfected the process! Perignon created a list of "rules" for wine-makers to follow for centuries to come. He popularized white grapes and found ways to avoid refermentation.

He was also an advocate of wine-making in its purest form, without additives or chemicals. In order to remain unbiased, he tasted grapes without knowing the region they were grown in, helping local vineyards sell their crop.

So the next time you're lucky enough to order a bottle of Dom Perignon, know that the man behind the name is a legend in his own right.