Dom Perignon
Dom Perignon was a blind Benedictine monk whom was the cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in Epernay during the late 17th century and early 18th century.
Dom Perignon lived from 1638 to 1715 and became a monk in 1658. He is large part of the history of wine, and his name is associated with fine sparkling wine. Legend has it that after inventing sparkling wine, he remarked, “Come quickly, I am drinking the stars!”
While he did not invent the methode champenoise, he made some very important contributions to the process of making sparkling wine. It is now widely believed that the first sparkling wine was made in Provence.
Perignon is credited with directing his workers to only optimally ripe grapes during harvest, even if it took several days. He also developed the science of blending different vintages and vineyard lots to produce a more consistent and balanced product. Perignon also made innovations in cave excavation and bottle strength.
