The birthplace of Champagne
Traditional Champagne village par excellence founded
in 858, Hautvillers, birthplace of Champagne,
has owed its reputation to Dom Pérignon, whose name is known worldwide, since
the 18th century.
This Benedictine monk, passionate about wine and
winegrowing, was cellarer and responsible for finances of Saint Pierre
d'Hautvillers Abbey, devoted 47 years of his life to prayers but also and most
particularly to the development of this prestigious sparkling wine known as
Champagne.
Father of fundamental discoveries such as the combination
of different terroirs, pressing immediately after picking, the use of corks
held down with hemp string or also the digging of the cellars in the limestone
to ensure a better ageing of the wine at a constant temperature, Champagne owes
everything or nearly everything to the science, the passion and the pursuit of
perfection of Dom Pérignon.
In 1715, Dom Pérignon was buried in the nave of the
abbey-church in Hautvillers. He still lies at the foot of the altar, under a
marble stone on which we can read that he led his life "Cum Summa
laude", as a mark of the highest praise.