Dom Perignon History

Dom Perignon Champagne is known world-wide as one of the finest sparkling wines available. The name Dom Perignon originates with its namesake Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), a Benedictine monk credited with the invention of Champagne.

History

Statue of Dom Pierre Pérignon

In 1688 Dom Pierre Pérignon was appointed treasurer at the Abby of Hautvillers, near Epernay, where one of his duties was to manage the winemaking. By blending wine from several of his best vineyards Pérignon produced a wine superior to its individual components.

Theories/Speculation

Dom Perignon Street

With the introduction of glass bottles and corks, Pérignon experimented with the naturally sparkling quality of wine. Through these experiments Pérignon developed the méthode champenoise, the technique for producing sparkling wine that exists to this day.

Geography

Since Pérignon's time, Dom Perignon has been produced in the Champagne region of northeast France, where the rare combination of soil and climate provides for Champagne's distinctive qualities.

Features

Dom Perignon consists of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in essentially the same combination Pérignon worked to discover in the late 17th century.

Fun Fact

Prior to blending, Pérignon tasted the grapes without knowing the source vineyard in order to avoid influencing his opinion. References to his "blind" tastings have fueled the fallacy that Dom Pérignon himself was blind.

References

• Next Day Champagne Company
• Wine Experts and Enthusiasts

Resources

• Dom Perignon