Dom Pierre Perignon was a Benedictine monk, and is often called the "father of Champagne." He was cellar master at the Benedictine Abbey of Hautvillers in the late 1600's and early 1700's. According to legend, Dom Perignon was first to trap the CO2 produced by secondary fermentation of table wines and keep it in the wine. He is said to have uttered, "come quickly, I'm drinking stars" or something similar after the experience of his first taste. It's a great story. The problem is, there is nothing historical to back this story up, though there is evidence he made some important contributions to winemaking techniques around the 1670s. (Wine/Other)