Bursting Bubbles: A Secret History of Champagne and the Rise of the Great Growers

by Robert Walters

The rise and rise of a group of artisanal producers in Champagne over the last 20 years has challenged everything we thought we knew about this famous region. In Bursting Bubbles, Robert Walters takes us on a journey to visit these great growers. Along the way, he reveals a secret history of Champagne and dispels many of the myths that still persist about this celebrated wine style. Controversial and ground breaking, Bursting Bubbles will change the way you think about Champagne.

Genres: Wine, Nonfiction, History, Food, France

240 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2019

About the author

Robert Walters is a wine merchant, vineyard owner and writer with over twenty-five years of experience in the wine trade. His obsessive search for great grower wines has led him to work closely with many important producers in Europe, Australia and New Zealand, as well as many of Champagne's finest artisans. Over the years he has also found the time to write for publications such as The World of Fine Wine, and it was a series of these articles - on grower Champagnes - that eventually led to this groundbreaking book. He lives in Melbourne with his partner and two young children.

Reviews

[Nicola Pithouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this book, very interesting to find out things about champagne 🍾 that I didn’t know. I will look at bubbles in a different light now!!

[Manuel Alamo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book worth to read. What I do like about this book is that it does not romantise Champagne (as many very good books do) and he presents some opinions and ideas that might be controversial. Personally I disagree with some of his statements, but it is very intresting to take a moment to consider his point of view and think if you agree or not with him. On the other hand, the author reveals many hidden trusths that I was really amazed to discover.
His fundamental thesis in this book is that "great Champagne must be a great wine first, and a great Champagne second" and he visits many growers who embrace that statement and comparing their production methods and their working philosophies with the large houses and producers.
After reading the book you will need a little more time with your glass of Champgne in your hand to consider what you have read here.

[brettlikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

stick around for the review of this book—but first, swipe to see why we were celebrating!!
💍❤️💍❤️💍❤️💍
we are THRILLED!! oh happy day!!
🥂
BURSTING BUBBLES by robert walters (nonfiction) a journey through the history of champagne, and the new wave of growers elevating it + dispels myths, introduces us to producers, provides lots of information without being dry, and does it all with a dosage of wit + even if you don’t like bubbles (but WHY NOT?!!) this is a fascinating & entertaining read
🥂
“No significant celebration (is) complete without the popping of Champagne corks.”
🥂
instagram book reviews @brettlikesbooks

[Andrew Northup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those with an interest In champagne. A wonderful detailed introduction to some of the great grower producers out there today.

[Malte F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously quite a niche book for the advanced and affluent wine lover but it will change your perception of champagne. I think there are a lot of interesting misconceptions of champagne which is not helped by the marketing around it. I really enjoyed the structure of the book as it went from busting these myths, talking about production and history of champagne and then offering wonderful profiles of some of the growers who are at the forefront of change in this region. Even though champagne is not really associated with the broader natural wine movement this book shows there is a small but vocal group of winemakers in the Champagne region that follow those general principles as well.
I've gained a new appreciation of Champagne through this book and already went out to buy a few bottles from some of the mentioned producers to experience their wines

[Miranda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great consideration of the historical and economic factors that have produced the modern Champagne industry. More specifically, he examines what makes a great Champagne in light of the “grower-producer” revolution. Bonus points to him for actually providing endnotes and citing his sources, which unfortunately not enough wine books do. Because of this, it’s clear what is his opinion about the Champagne industry and what is researched fact. The only thing I didn’t love was the feeling that it was a bit of an ad for the producers he sells. Other than that, it’s a pretty fun read.

[Michael Reibel Boesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting deep dive into grower champagne.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Lots of important info, and well-written. A bit critical at some points, but nothing without respect.
Champagne producers were portrayed in a beautiful manner!

[JARROD WARD · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book will distroy a few of your favourite myths about Champagne 🍾 and create in that gap a list of wines, producers, and vintages you're eager to explore.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! Wasn't expecting to find this quite so engaging.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

4-

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love all of this book—sometimes the author writes that he doesn’t know something that seems relatively easy to research (or at least mention why he didn’t do the research), and there are essentially ads for his favorite champagne makers throughout the book. However, the majority of the text is an interesting introduction to champagne and how it came to be what it is today. You don’t have to be a champagne lover (or lover of wine generally) to enjoy this book.