The Democracy of Celebration

Champagne has evolved from aristocratic luxury to democratic celebration. Yes, prestige cuvées command astronomical prices, but excellent Champagne exists at every price point. The widow Clicquot, who smuggled bottles to Russia despite Napoleon's blockade, would approve of Champagne's global reach.

Today's Champagne reflects its diverse makers: traditional houses maintaining centuries of excellence, innovative growers expressing individual terroirs, women winemakers continuing the widow tradition, and international influences bringing fresh perspectives. Each bottle, regardless of price or provenance, carries the same promise: the transformation of ordinary moments into celebrations.

Whether you're toasting a milestone, starting a meal, or simply acknowledging that you've made it through another week, Champagne stands ready. Those 49 million bubbles aren't just carbon dioxide—they're tiny vehicles of joy, rising to the surface with 300 years of history, tradition, and the irrepressible human desire to celebrate life.

Tchin-tchin! (French cheers)

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Next: Chapter 6 follows the Rhône River from Lyon to the Mediterranean, where Syrah reigns in the north's steep slopes and Grenache-based blends warm the soul in the south.# Chapter 6: Rhône Valley - North and South