Watch Champagne Journal Part II: Château de Chantilly, Dom Perignon, When Do You Drink Champagne?

In this episode see the first painting to show sparkling champagne! Discover the "Father of Champagne" and learn on which occasions the French drink this magnificent wine! Chateau de Chantilly: The Chateau of Chantilly's grand gallery houses an exquisite painting that was commissioned, in 1735, by Louis XV for his new private dining room at Versailles. This painting, by Jean-Francois de Troy, is significant because it's the first painting to depict sparkling champagne! It is titled, "The Oyster Lunch." Filmed in Chantilly, this segment showcases the King's historic painting. Champagne has, indeed, always symbolized the good life, happiness, fun and elegance! Dom Perignon: Along with the French kings in the 17th century, Dom Perignon had an immense influence on champagne. He was an expert blender and is often called the "Father of Champagne." Due to his work, champagne the wine has become synonymous with the region itself. In his time, grape growers produced as great a quantity as possible, which weakened the grape's concentration and, ultimately, led to lesser quality wines. In contrast, Dom Perignon developed his "golden rules of winemaking" to make champagne of the highest quality. Some of these rules are still in use today. Filmed in the Abbey of Hautvillers, Veronique Fourer, a historian with Moet et Chandon Champagne, and Vincent Chaperon, the oenologist for Dom Perignon's namesake champagne, share more about this devout Catholic monk who created wines of perfection. When Do You Drink Champagne? Of course the French drink champagne at very special occasions just like Americans do. Yet they also enjoy it during informal times. Hear in their own words when the French drink champagne. Length: 26 Minutes [NTSC]