The Rest Is History 289: Drink
Dec 26, 2022
Join Henry Jeffreys, an esteemed author and alcohol historian, as he dives into the world of festive drinks. Discover the unique cultural significance of champagne during holidays and how British tastes shaped the wine market. Jeffreys reveals how certain wines like claret and port symbolized political loyalties throughout history. With amusing anecdotes, including a Shropshire man's fiery hiccup remedy, this conversation is a delightful blend of history and humor that will leave you raising a glass!
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British Fizz
- Champagne's link to Britain lies in the invention of strong glass bottles by British polymath Sir Kenelm Digby.
- These bottles, developed around 1630, were crucial for containing the pressure of sparkling wine.
Pre-Champagne Fizz
- Before Digby's invention, accidentally fizzy wine was considered spoiled.
- Dom Pérignon did not invent champagne; the story is a marketing ploy.
Sparkling Cider
- British cider makers experimented with sparkling cider in the 17th century.
- This technology later crossed the Channel, where French winemakers refined it, leading to champagne.
