A wine always associated with festivities
The history of Champagne, as a wine for celebrations and great events, is closely linked to major historical moments in French history. However, its rise as a "vin de fête" has taken place over the centuries, through royal events and symbols.
How Champagne became the wine of kings
Champagne wine's association with festivities dates back to the late Vᵉ century, when Clovis was baptized in Reims to symbolize the conversion of the Frankish Kings to Christianity.
The Champagne wine is associated with this great event, but then it refers to wine that comes from the Champagne region, not Champagne as we know it. What's more, this christening took place at Christmas, a particularly festive and family-friendly time, anchoring the idea of Champagne wine in the context of major celebrations.
The popularity of Champagne wine really took off in the XVIIᵉ century with the advent of the méthode champenoise, thanks to the work of Benedictine monks (including the famous monk Dom Pérignon) who helped make Champagne the quality sparkling wine we love so much.
From the wine of kings, it became the wine of coronations, and this saga continued until 1825 with the coronation of Charles X in Reims, the last king of France.
The wine of kings, but also the wine for celebrations and special occasions
Thanks to the renown of Champagne wines, from its very beginnings Champagne has been associated with a certain prestige and the desire to gather and celebrate. A prestige that continued with the Roaring Twenties during which Champagne became a symbol of joy and conviviality after the war.
Champagne wine is not only a symbol of French history, it has also entered the world stage of major festivities and events. For example, on board the Titanic in 1912, famous passengers toasted with flutes of Champagne, symbolizing both the elegance and prosperity of the era. Champagne was also served at many World's Fairs, such as the one in Paris in 1889, where it represented the culmination of French savoir-faire.
What are the elements that have made Champagne a must-have for the festive season?
As mentioned earlier, Clovis' baptism took place at Christmas, and the coronations of kings were often celebrated at the end of the year, particularly in December. This festive period, imbued with sacredness and pomp, helped reinforce the idea that Champagne is a wine reserved for special moments, worthy of an important celebration.
Over the centuries, Champagne has become a wine associated with festivity and refinement, associated with family meals or social events. The end-of-year festivities embody these symbols as much as the great stages in the advent of Champagne.
As early as 1887the Champenois have worked to protect the terroir of the Vin de Champagne, and Champagne as such has had an appellation d'origine contrôlée since 1936, further associating Champagne with the world of luxury, prestige and quality.
The rise of major Champagne brands such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and Louis Roederer has also helped to promote Champagne as a festive beverage for events large and small. Each year, they compete in ingenuity to offer champagne gift boxes gift sets, or even champagne gift sets with accessories.
In conclusion, it's difficult to pinpoint the precise moment when Champagne became the wine of the New Year, as many factors have influenced its rise. Nevertheless, if your guests or loved ones are wondering, you can now tell them about the milestones that explain its success as a festive wine.
