Which 17-18th century monk invented sparkling champagne, and later the cork stopper?

The esteemed Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, a cellar master at the Abbey of Hautvillers in France from 1668 until his death in 1715, is widely associated with the creation of champagne. While popular legend often credits him with "inventing" sparkling champagne, historical accounts suggest that the phenomenon of secondary fermentation, which creates the bubbles, was known before his time and was initially considered a fault that caused bottles to explode. In fact, Dom Pérignon's early efforts were focused on eliminating these effervescent qualities to produce still wines.

Nevertheless, Dom Pérignon's contributions to the development of champagne were profound and revolutionary. He is lauded for his meticulous work in blending different grape varieties to achieve a harmonious and balanced wine, a practice that remains a cornerstone of champagne production today. He also introduced innovations such as using thicker glass bottles, which were better able to withstand the internal pressure of sparkling wine, and improved pruning techniques.

Beyond his work with the wine itself, Dom Pérignon is also credited with introducing and popularizing the cork stopper in the Champagne region. Prior to his influence, bottles were often sealed with wooden bungs wrapped in oiled hemp, which were prone to popping out under pressure. During a trip to Catalonia, he discovered the excellent elasticity of cork and recognized its potential to securely seal bottles, a crucial innovation for containing the effervescence of sparkling wine. He also used rope to secure the corks, a precursor to the modern wire cage. While the famous quote "Come quickly, I am tasting stars!" is a romanticized myth, Dom Pérignon's genuine dedication to quality and his advancements in winemaking techniques cemented his legacy as a pivotal figure in the history of champagne.