(Mental Floss) -- Just hearing the word "champagne" conjures up images of sparkling wine, popping corks, and wild celebrations. But mentioning that other Champagne -- as in the northeastern region of France -- evokes a much more complex bouquet. Filled with wars, political clashes, and controversy, the bubbly region and its eponymous drink have produced a rich history worth toasting to. Divine Origins Today, the region synonymous with sparkling wine is crowded with vineyards -- but that wasn't always the case. In fact, during the 17th century, France's Champagne district was known primarily for its high-quality wool. Then a Benedictine monk named Dom Perignon came along and changed everything.
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France's Champagne district known for its wool in 17th century
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Dom Perignon was first Champagne winemaker to use corks
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France's Louis XIV drank champagne almost exclusively
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Treaty of Versailles: Only Champagne can call sparkling wine champagne
It's no wonder, then, that the sparkling beverage quickly became a fixed part of @placeholder's national character.
That seemingly minor concession in the Treaty of Versailles has become the linchpin of the business in @placeholder.