Champagne

Champagne, from the Champagne region of France, is the world's most celebrated wine — synonymous with luxury, celebration, and success. The secondary fermentation that creates champagne's bubbles was mastered in the 17th century, though contrary to legend, Dom Pérignon didn't invent it — he spent his career trying to eliminate the bubbles from his wine. Only sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France can legally be called 'champagne.' The disgorgement and riddling processes, combined with specific grape varieties and chalky soils, create its distinctive character. Approximately 300 million bottles are produced annually. The pop of a champagne cork at celebrations from New Year's to F1 podiums is one of the world's most universal sounds of joy.