Authentic champagne is only produced in Champagne, France.
While many sparkling wines call themselves champagne, true champagne is a sparkling wine made only in the Champagne region of France, a small region in the northeast part of the country. It was created by accident by Benedictine monk, Dom P rignon, approximately 300 years ago. All other sparkling wines that utilize the same producing method are labeled, "m thode champenoise." Unlike other types of wine, champagne is best stored and served cold to maintain the maximum amount of bubbles.
Dom P rignon
Dom P rignon is one of the most well-known champagnes in the world. It carries the name of the monk most known for developing this type of sparkling wine. Currently, Dom P rignon is produced by Moet et Chandon, France's largest champagne house and one known for its high-end and luxury brands. The company is almost 300 years old.
Piper-Heidsieck
Piper-Heidsieck was founded in 1785. Throughout its almost 230-year history, the company has been defined by its reinterpretations of the classic champagne. It reinvented rose champagne in 2002, Cuvee Sublime in 2004 and has asked artists and fashion houses to redesign glasses, bottles and ice buckets throughout the years. Piper Heidsieck Monopole 1907 is one of the most expensive champagnes in the world, valued at $35,000 per bottle as of this publishing.
Taittinger
Although the Taittinger brand wasn't created until 1931, its history dates back to 1734; it was established on the foundation of Forest-Forneaux, the third oldest champagne house. Taittinger's 288 hectares also make it one of the largest champagne houses in France. The company produces 11 flavors of champagne and ranges in price from the mid-$40s to well over $200 per bottle.
Perrier-Jouet
Perrier-Jouet is known for the green bottle adorned with yellow and white flowers. In 2011 the company celebrated 200 years of producing the finest champagne in the world. To ensure its authenticity, the house stamps all of its cork with the "PJ" initials. Perrier-Jouet produces six different flavors using the traditional m thode champenoise.
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