the start of the book, the author introduces his meticulous research into the history and practices of Champagne wine production, emphasizing his extensive field visits over the previous decade to vineyards and sparkling wine establishments in the region. He indicates that this volume represents the first comprehensive effort to document the history of any particular wine in such detail, informed by a wealth of firsthand experience and knowledge. The introduction also references previous works and sets the stage for a discussion that blends historical events, economic insights, and cultural anecdotes related to the illustrious Champagne wines that have captivated drinkers throughout history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)