Sparkling: The Story of Champagne

Sparkling: The Story of Champagne

London, June 30th: BritBox today announced that feature length documentary Sparkling: The Story of Champagne will be available exclusively on BritBox UK from 29th July. The documentary is directed by Frank Mannion, produced by Oxana Popkova and Frank Mannion, and edited by Charlie Emseis.

Sparkling: The Story of Champagne is a love letter to champagne, starring a host of big names from the champagne world as well as exclusive access to the Queen's vineyard at Windsor. It examines the controversial theory that the English actually 'discovered champagne' decades before Dom Perignon exclaimed "I can taste the stars.” It also looks at the impact of climate change - the champagne region is gradually becoming too hot, leading to the likes of Pommery and Taittinger planting vineyards in the south of England. By exploring the origins of the tipple, the film provides a surprising take on Anglo-French relations. 

The film features a stellar ensemble cast including Stephen Fry and the A-list from the world of champagne - Taittinger President Vitalie Taittinger, Bollinger Chairman Etienne Bizot, Dom Perignon wine-maker Vincent Chaperon, Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, Sir Nicholas Soames, the grand-son of Winston Churchill (who famous drank thousands of Imperial Pint sized bottles of Pol Roger in his lifetime), the best-selling authors, Oz Clarke, Don & Petie Kladstrup, and the Queen’s winemaker, Tony Laithwaite. The film-makers were given unique access to film at the Queen's vineyard at Windsor Great Park. The documentary was shot on location in France, England, New York and Los Angeles.

Major champagne houses featured include Piper Heidsieck (Marilyn Monroe's favourite & long-time sponsor of the Cannes Film Festival), Bollinger (which has appeared in 15 James Bond 007 movies including No Time To Die), Taittinger, Dom Perignon, Moet & Chandon, Cattier, Pommery, Cristal/Louis Roederer, Pol Roger, JAY Z-owned Armand de Brignac and Brad Pitt’s recently launched Champagne Fleur de Miraval, and various English wineries including Squerryes, Hattingley Valley and Bolney in Kent and Hampshire.

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