Dom Pérignon (1638-1715)

Born in St. Ménehould in 1638, Pierre Pérignon became famous thanks to the champagne wines which it is said he invented. 
 

It was at Hautvillers Abbey, located a few miles north of Epernay, that cellar master Dom Pérignon worked to increase the reputation of this wine.

His work focused on the methodological exploitation of the vines. The upkeep of the vineyards in the best possible condition, pruning the vine stock as carefully as could be, etc. The objective of each of these operations was to produce a wine of quality rather than quantity. For harvesting too, Dom Pérignon made sure that only the very best grapes were picked. Finally, regarding the vinification process, he improved the blending of grapes or wines sometimes produced by different varietals on various soils.

There is no evidence that Dom Perignon in any great produced champagne in quantity. This matters little, because the legend adds another dash of mystery to the King of Wines.

Follow in the footsteps of Dom Pérignon by visiting Hautvillers, a typical Champagne village overlooking the Marne Valley and surrounded by vineyards.
 

Famous Men and Women