History of Champagne
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A quite unique and exceptional wine!
Champagne appeared by the end of the 17th century, taking the name from its native area. The leading figure of this prestigious wine, the monk Dom Pérignon, combined his observatory and tasting skills so as to master the fermentation of the grape juice. He then succeeded in transforming the Champagne wine – which was naturally effervescent – into a clear wine with a persistent froth (around 1660-1668). At that time, Champagne was a privilege only enjoyed by the kings of France and some other monarchs.
The development of communication means allowed Champagne to be known and recognised gradually everywhere. Now it has become the symbol wine for any form of celebration in the world.
Our village RILLY-LA-MONTAGNE lies in the very heart of the Reims Mountain, between the vine slopes and the Natural Park of the Reims Mountain. It is one of the most ancient Champagne-producing villages. Its name appeared for the first time in the reign of Charlemagne, when it was part of Saint-Remi Abbey in Reims. The use of two common presses even at the Carolingian time has been reported.
The village was dominated and ruled by religious organisations until the 1789 French Revolution.
Wine-makers then gradually became property owners. Rilly-la-Montagne changed significantly in the 19th century when the railway reached the village. World War I caused great damage and left the village in ruins. During World War II, it was heavily bombed because of the storage of V1 rockets in the nearby railway tunnel.
Then life went on, and so did wine-growing…
As the years went by, Champagne wine expertise has been passed down from generation to generation with an ongoing quest for quality.
New technologies developed in the second part of the 20th century and by the beginning of the 21st century, while keeping the oldest traditions still vivid. The magic of Champagne!
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