The Story of Dom Perignon: The Myth, the Monk, and the Magic of Champagne
- cecile-w
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
When people think of Champagne, one name often rises above the rest: Dom Pérignon. Synonymous with luxury, refinement, and celebration, Dom Pérignon is more than just a prestigious cuvée—it's a symbol of French heritage and craftsmanship. But who was Dom Pérignon? And did he really invent Champagne? Let’s uncork the story.
Who Was Dom Perignon?
Dom Pierre Perignon was a Benedictine monk who lived in the Abbey of Hautvillers in the Champagne region of France during the 17th century. Born in 1638, he became cellar master at the abbey and devoted his life to improving the quality of the wines produced by the monks. His meticulous methods, dedication to perfection, and deep spiritual connection to winemaking earned him legendary status in the history of Champagne.
The Myth: “Come Quickly, I Am Tasting the Stars!”
One of the most enduring stories about Dom Perignon is that he accidentally discovered sparkling wine and, upon tasting it, exclaimed: “Come quickly, I am tasting the stars!” This poetic phrase has echoed through centuries, becoming part of Champagne folklore and branding.
According to the legend, Dom Pérignon invented the Champagne method—méthode champenoise—by bottling wine before it completed fermentation, thus trapping bubbles in the bottle. This delightful accident, the story goes, gave birth to the world’s most iconic sparkling wine.
The Truth Behind the Bubbles
As romantic as it sounds, the historical reality is more complex—and slightly less bubbly. In fact, Dom Pérignon didn’t invent sparkling wine. During his time, bubbles in wine were seen as a flaw rather than a virtue. The cool climate of the Champagne region often caused fermentation to pause in winter and resume in spring, resulting in unintended carbonation that sometimes caused bottles to explode.
Dom Pérignon’s actual contributions were in refining winemaking techniques to eliminate these “unwanted” bubbles. He worked tirelessly to blend grapes for balance, eliminate oxygen exposure, and improve bottle quality. In short, Dom Pérignon sought to create a more stable, elegant still wine—not a sparkling one.
Ironically, it wasn’t until after his death in 1715 that the sparkling version of Champagne began to rise in popularity. British taste for fizzy wine and advancements in glass production played a crucial role in making sparkling Champagne the beloved drink we know today.
Legacy and Brand: Dom Perignon Champagne
Despite the historical inaccuracies, Dom Pérignon’s name was immortalized in the 20th century when Moët & Chandon, one of the largest Champagne houses, launched a prestige cuvée in his honor. The first vintage of Dom Perignon Champagne was released in 1936, using grapes from the exceptional 1921 harvest.
Today, Dom Pérignon is one of the world’s most prestigious vintage Champagnes, produced only in the best years. Each cuvée is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, known for its complexity, finesse, and incredible aging potential. Dom Pérignon is not just a wine—it’s a statement of timeless elegance and celebration.
Visit Dom Pérignon’s Tomb in Hautvillers
For Champagne lovers and history enthusiasts alike, a visit to the Abbey of Hautvillers is a must. Nestled in the rolling hills above Épernay, the abbey is where Dom Pérignon lived, worked, and is now buried. You can visit his tomb inside the abbey church, a peaceful and humble tribute to the monk who changed the course of winemaking.
The village of Hautvillers itself is charming and full of Champagne producers, cobbled streets, and panoramic vineyard views. Walking through this historic village, one can’t help but feel the spirit of Dom Perignon still lingers in the air.
