Heritage

IN JULY, 2015, UNESCO ADDED CHAMPAGNE TO THE LIST OF WORLD HERITAGE SITES. MORE SPECIFICALLY, THE CHAMPAGNE SLOPES, HOUSES AND CELLARS ARE NOW CLASSIFIED AS OF ‘EXCEPTIONAL UNIVERSAL VALUE’, AS ALL 21 REPRESENTATIVES VOTED UNANIMOUSLY ON ITS INCLUSION.

WORDS KEN GARGETT

THEY JOIN MORE THAN A THOUSAND such sites, including the Taj Mahal, Great Wall of China, Serengeti, Yellowstone National Park, Robben Island, Machu Picchu, Petra and more locally, the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu, Fraser Island and the Sydney Opera House. This is something that the authorities in Champagne have worked very hard to achieve for some time.

Pierre Cheval, president of the Association Paysages du Champagne, spent 8 years preparing the claim. He noted that the region was “duty-bound to preserve and maintain this landscape, know-how and heritage so that we can pass them on unspoilt to future generations. We have a date with history, our very own history!”

The nearby region of Burgundy was also included. Both regions are recognised as being “of outstanding value to humanity.” ❧

The Great Gatsby is a 2013 romantic drama film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel. Featuring Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire, Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan

A Journey into the World of Champagne Houses

THE NEXT FEW PAGES WILL TAKE YOU ON AN EDUCATIONAL JOURNEY INTO THE WORLD OF Champagne Houses. Here we will explore some of the world’s best Champagne Houses, sharing details on well-loved and known brands, as well as those you may not be so familiar with. You will discover the history of many Champagne Houses, as well as the history of the Champagne region. You will learn how each House makes their wine, and share tasting notes on a variety of Champagnes, as well as interviews with Chef de Caves. Explore through the pages and learn everything you need to know about Champagne and how this beautiful sparkling is created. ❧