Millions of people enjoy the pleasures of Champagne.

However,many do not realize the name for this sparkling wine is a carefully controlled brand from the Champagne region of France. In fact, many tourists who take wine tours in France consider this locale one of the most desirable destinations.

Many areas of the world produce their own sparkling, or bubbly, wines, but the actual use of the term Champagne is protected in the European Union by the Madrid system. Since 1891, only wines made from the grapes grown in designated vineyards from this area can be labelled as Champagne. Even U.S. law restricts the labelling of wines as Champagne, and only certain vineyards producing it before 2006 can use the term, and they must designate the state of origin.

The bubbles that make this wine so special are created by the use of a double fermentation process. After the normal steps to create the normally white wine, an additional step uses both yeast and rock sugar to create the coveted effervescence of true Champagne.

A complicated process follows with at least 18 months of aging. The very best Champagnes are aged as long as three years, and come from especially good crops, when a millésime is officially declared. Russian royalty is responsible for making Champagne such a global favorite, and since the 1800s it has been considered a special treat to mark special events and accomplishments. When a bottle of Champagne is consumed, it is usually a festive occasion.