The Romans were the first to plant vineyards in this area of
northeast France with the region being cultivated by at least
the 5th century, possibly earlier. Wines from the Champagne
region were known before medieval times. Churches owned
vineyards and monks produced wine for use in the sacrament of
Eucharist. French kings were traditionally anointed in Reims and
Champagne wine was served as part of coronation festivities. The
Champenois were envious of the reputation of the wines made by
their Burgundian neighbours to the south and sought to produce
wines of equal acclaim. However, the northerly climate of the
region gave the Champenois a unique set of challenges in making
red wine. At the far extremes of sustainable viticulture, the
grapes would struggle to ripen fully and often would have
bracing levels of acidity and low sugar levels. The wines would
be lighter bodied and thinner than the Burgundy wines they were
seeking to outdo. Contrary to legend and popular belief, Dom
Perignon did not invent sparklin