Dom Pérignon
Dom Pérignon, a monk who wanted to produce the best wine in the world
Region: Hautvillers Abbey with its vineyards
Annual Production: min. 5 million bottles per year
Size: Cultivated area of approx. 340 km²
Grapes: Chardonnay & Pinot Noir – exclusively vintage Champagne
In 1668, the young monk Pierre Pérignon took up a position as cellar master at the Abbaye d'Hautvillers. This small monastery is located in the heart of Champagne, north of the famous city of Épernay. At that time, as throughout France, it was primarily monks who were responsible for cultivating grapevines.
With the goal of producing "the best wine in the world," Pierre set to work. And soon, the sparkling wines of the Abbey became known not only for their superb quality but, above all, for a new, unique style that Pierre significantly shaped.
It is certain today that Pierre Pérignon was not the inventor of Champagne. However, he perfected numerous production steps. For example, he refined the second fermentation in the bottle as well as the art of blending wines from different vineyards and grape varieties. He also further developed the production of white wines from red grape varieties.
The wines of the Abbey eventually became so renowned that they were even enjoyed at the French royal court of Louis XIV. From this point onwards, at the latest, sparkling wine from Champagne became famous beyond national borders. When Pierre Pérignon passed away in 1715, he had truly and lastingly revolutionized the art of Champagne making. His work would continue to shape the production of wines from northeastern France to this day.