The Rest Is History 289: Drink
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Dec 26, 2022 
Join Henry Jeffreys, an esteemed author and alcohol historian, as he dives into the world of festive drinks. Discover the unique cultural significance of champagne during holidays and how British tastes shaped the wine market. Jeffreys reveals how certain wines like claret and port symbolized political loyalties throughout history. With amusing anecdotes, including a Shropshire man's fiery hiccup remedy, this conversation is a delightful blend of history and humor that will leave you raising a glass!
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Pre-Champagne Fizz
- Before Digby's invention, accidentally fizzy wine was considered spoiled.
- Dom Pérignon did not invent champagne; the story is a marketing ploy.
Sparkling Cider
- British cider makers experimented with sparkling cider in the 17th century.
- This technology later crossed the Channel, where French winemakers refined it, leading to champagne.
Britain as Wine Merchant
- Britain's global reach shaped the wine trade, with British tastes influencing wine production worldwide.
- British wine merchants had broader access to varieties than even French royalty.
