In the early 1600s, a new wine emerged in France. Called vin gris, it sometimes underwent an unplanned second fermentation as it was shipped. When the wine arrived at its destination, it was bottled right away and retained some unplanned sparkle. From this pleasant accident, the history of sparkling wine began.
Vin gris was introduced to England around this time, when a French courtier named M. de Saint-Evremond fell from the king”s favor and fled to London. He established himself in English society and brought his favorite bubbly wines to his new homeland, where they found instant popularity.