The definitive guide to champagne and other sparkling wines. Champagne is delicious; we love its flavour, we love its fizz. Champagne's association with success, partying and fun are as ingrained in the wine as the bubbles themselves. As the godfather of champagne, Dom Pérignon, famously declared: 'Brothers, I'm drinking stars'. But there's more to fizz than just champagne. Prosecco's meteoric rise in popularity has opened up our taste buds to other sparkling wines: from the glacial hills of Treviso, the lava slopes of Mount Etna, rural Brazil to the more genteel South Downs of England, the choice is vast. There has never been a better time to enjoy a glass of bubbly. Navigation is important as the new and exotic vintages aren't all wonderful, and this is where Davy Zyw can help. As one of the country's leading experts in sparkling wine, Davy explains why each of the 101 entries has made the cut. This is the ultimate ice-bucket list for fizz fans, and every bottle in this book will knock your socks off.

“Corks popping, frothy liquid flowing, a cold crispy freshness . . . nothing quite so perfectly reflects the notion of ‘the best in life.’ This is a book for celebrants. It's a book for romantics. It's a book for the entertainer who wants a light, fresh concoction that can bring people together to accent the joys of the day. So break out the bubbly and toast!” -From 101 Champagne Cocktails

An instant classic and a breathtaking achievement. Originally published in 1998, this is the fully revised and updated edition of the outstanding tour de force by the world's leading sparkling wine expert. It is the ultimate reference work for all fizz fans. Beautifully illustrated and stylishly designed, with over 600 full-colour photographs, labels and maps, it has become and will continue to be an indispensable part of any true wine lover's library. Winner of the Noble Cuve du Champagne Lanson; the Salon International du Livre; Gourmand 'Best Wine Book'; and was shortlisted for the Andre Simon Award.

Both the region of Champagne and its wines have always been associated with prestige and luxury. Knowledgeable wine enthusiasts have long discussed top Champagnes with the same reverence they reserve for the finest wines of Bordeaux and Burgundy. But everyday Americans usually keep Champagne way back on the high shelf. It’s for big celebrations, send-offs, and wedding toasts and, more often than not, is bought by the case. The good stuff costs plenty—and frankly, rarely seems worth the price. Today, though, Champagne is in the midst of a renaissance—no longer to be unjustly neglected. Over the past decade, an increasing number of wine enthusiasts have discovered the joys of grower Champagne—wines made by the farmers who grow the grapes. Thanks to a few key wine importers and America’s newfound obsession with knowing where food comes from, these shipments have been climbing steadily. In But First, Champagne, author David White details Champagne’s history along with that of its wines, explains how and why the market is changing, and profiles the region’s leading producers. This book is essential reading for wine enthusiasts, adventurous drinkers, foodies, sommeliers, and drinks professionals. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the region, its history, and its leading producers, But First, Champagne will demystify Champagne for all. From the foreword: "Smart, entertaining, and valuable . . . one of those rare wine books that should appeal to people just getting into Champagne and longtime Champagne obsessives." —Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor, Food & Wine

"This guide describes the origin and characteristics of the most important wine varieties available in the United States, and includes a table of suggested food-and-wine pairings at the end of the guide. It is intended to provide a quick reference for both the novice wine drinker and for the more experienced person who would simply like a guide to a good wine to serve with dinner."