But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World?s Favorite Wine

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

David White is one of the world’s leading wine writers and author of a nationally syndicated wine column hosted by Grape Collective. He is the founder and editor of Terroirist.com, one of the world’s most popular wine blogs, for which he’s been awarded both Best New Wine Blog and Best Overall Wine Blog. His writing has been published in the World of Fine Wine, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and more. White also serves as chair of Heart’s Delight, one of the world’s largest charity wine auctions. He resides in Washington, DC.

Ray Isle is executive wine editor of Food & Wine. In addition to overseeing the magazine’s wine department, Ray writes the monthly column, Tasting Room, and regular feature stories, plus directs all spirits and beer coverage; he also writes weekly for CNN’s Eatocracy site. Prior to joining Food & Wine in 2005, Ray was managing editor of Wine & Spirits. He lives in New York and can be found on Twitter as @islewine and on Instagram as @rayisle.

John Trinidad is an avid photographer, wine enthusiast, and attorney. After working harvest in Burgundy and in Healdsburg, John combined his legal education and interest in wine by joining the law firm of Dickenson, Peatman and Fogarty, where he works with the wine law practice group. He lives in Napa, California.