We look to Champagne as a drink of celebration, but rarely do we consider the rich history of this bubbly drop. So, here are five facts about the history of Champagne you’ll want to share with friends the next time you’re pouring a glass. Brought to you by Champagne Duperrey.

It is still debated who actually invented Champagne

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Although the French claim it was Benedictine monk Dom Pérignon who discovered Champagne, many historians argue it dates much further back than the 17th century. It is said the Italians played a part in the development of Champagne, both the region and the drink, when the Romans arrived in France between the first and fifth century. It has also been linked to English physician, Christopher Merret, who documented how to put the fizz into wine in 1662. Either way, cheers to whomever discovered it.

Champagne was about more than just sparkling wine

The capital of Champagne, Reims, became the official location for crowning incoming French kings from around the 9th century. It was during these coronations that the popularity of the wine produced in the Champagne region increased as a drink of celebration. Another constant is the Champagne brands themselves. Champagne Duperrey, for example, is now a fourth-generation producer in the region with head winemaker Christophe Rapeneau, the wizard behind the multi-generational brand, using award-winning techniques in production.

During the World Wars, Champagne locals hid themselves and rare bottles of Champagne

Given its location in the north-east of France, the Champagne region was in the direct path of advancing Germans. Instead of fleeing, many locals sought refuge beneath the towns in the tunnel cellars dug by the Romans, taking with them rare bottles of Champagne. The impressive chalk cellars that Champagne Duperrey bottles are aged in are actually recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

“Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne!”

During World War II, Winston Churchill (a Champagne enthusiast), likened many wartime situations to drinking Champagne, even suggesting that meeting Franklin Roosevelt was like opening your first bottle, and knowing him was like drinking it.

The region continues to go from strength to strength

The Champagne Bureau of France released key insights into the performance of the region in 2018, revealing the expansive economy of the region overall. Over 362 million bottles produced last year (worth a total of 4.9 billion euros), with the largest importer being the United Kingdom, at close to 27 million bottles annually. Australia comes in at the sixth largest importer from the region, with 8.4 million bottles. Still thirsty for more? Why not check out 10 things you didn’t know about champagne or read about a day in the life of winemaker Christophe Rapeneau, the fourth-generation winemaker at Champagne Duperrey. This gallery is brought to you by Champagne Duperrey, discover the range at Dan Murphy’s and BWS.