Champagne signals celebration, fun and camaraderie, embodying luxury and decadence as the preferred drink for any toast. Now available in a revised and expanded second edition, Champagne explores the history of sparkling wines and the people behind them, from Dom Prignon to Veuve Clicquot. Becky Sue Epstein traces the journey from the first French sparkling wines in 1531, produced by monks in Limoux, to modern vineyards across the Champagne region, Germany, Spain and the New World. She explains the science of fizz and bubble, proper storage and serving techniques, and the distinction between champagne and other sparkling wines. Whether you enjoy magnums of Cristal or a ordable prosecco or cava, Champagne is an elegant, informative gift for wine lovers.