Champagne

A Global History, Second Edition

Becky Sue Epstein

$44.95 $38.17

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Reaktion Books
16 June 2025

History: specific events & topics; Wines

Series: Edible

'This short volume, wittily illustrated and beautifully designed, is a pleasure both to look at and to consume. Which, given the subject matter, seems fitting.'

The Spectator

'A sparkling history of the world's greatest wine. Stories, pictures and mouth-watering cocktails.'

The Lady

Champagne signals celebration, fun and camaraderie, embodying luxury and decadence as the preferred drink for any toast. Now available in a revised and expanded second edition, Champagne explores the history of sparkling wines and the people behind them, from Dom Perignon to Veuve Clicquot. Becky Sue Epstein traces the journey from the first French sparkling wines in 1531, produced by monks in Limoux, to modern vineyards across the Champagne region, Germany, Spain and the New World. She explains the science of fizz and bubble, proper storage and serving techniques, and the distinction between champagne and other sparkling wines. Whether you enjoy magnums of Cristal or a ordable prosecco or cava, Champagne is an elegant, informative gift for wine lovers.

By: Becky Sue Epstein
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 120mm,
ISBN: 9781789149951
ISBN 10: 1789149959
Series: Edible
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 16 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Becky Sue Epstein is an author and journalist in the fields of wine, spirits, food and travel based in Massachusetts, USA. She is the author of many books on wine, spirits and food, including Brandy: A Global History (2014) and Strong, Sweet and Dry: A Guide to Vermouth, Port, Sherry, Madeira and Marsala (2019), both published by Reaktion Books.

Reviews for Champagne: A Global History, Second Edition

'This short volume, wittily illustrated and beautifully designed, is a pleasure both to look at and to consume. Which, given the subject matter, seems fitting.' - The Spectator 'A sparkling history of the worlds greatest wine. Stories, pictures and mouth-watering cocktails.' - The Lady 'Champagne is an invaluable complement to a glass of bubbly as well as an informative, elegant gift for all wine lovers.' - Intermezzo 'An entertaining look at the world's most celebratory beverage. Pop a cork and enjoy a flute of our favorite bubbly while brushing up on champagne lore.' - The Tasting Panel 'With the holidays around the corner, now might be a good time to brush up on your Champagne facts. Epstein's book, slim and elegant like a flute of sparkling wine, is brimming with information, from the essential to the esoteric.' - PalatePress.com