For connoisseur and newcomer alike, The Treasures of Champagne celebrates this remarkable liquid by exploring how champagne has become so deeply embedded in the world's consciousness.

Divided into four parts, the first section looks at the process of making champagne and how the subtle blend of grapes produces a notable house style, as well as the vintage years and the special cuvées. This is followed by the history of champagne from the earliest makers to the present day and the global events which affected it. The third section provides individual entries on all the major champagne marques and some of the lesser known ones to. Each entry contains a brief history and explores the most notable traits of the houses' products and includes tasting notes recommending brands to try. The final section examines the social and cultural impact of champagne, how it has become a part of certain traditions, links to entertainment in fact and fiction.

The celebration of bubbly proves, once and for all, that the world would be a poorer place without champagne. A Votre Santé!

A celebration of champagne, but exploring how this drink has become so deeply embedded in the world's consciousness.

Tom Bruce-Gardyne has been writing on wine for almost 20 years and has twice won the Louis Roederer 'Drinks Writer of the Year' Award. A regular contributor to magazines such as The Drinks Business and for years a weekly columnist on the Herald newspaper, his books include Scotch Whisky Treasures. And though his tastes in drink are suitably broad, he has always had a weakness for the mood-enhancing bundle of joy that is champagne.