Champagne made its debut at the French court at Versailles in the second half of the 17th century and was an instant hit with licentious aristocrats such as the regent Duc D'Orleans and Madame de Mailly, mistress of Louis XV. Ever since, Champagne has enjoyed a reputation as one of the most "romantic" of all beverages. As Valentine's Day approaches, we find it hard to resist the gently rousing "pop" of a bubbly cork, particularly if it is from a bottle of come-hither pink rose Champagne.

The connection between wine and, shall we say, the human spirit, has long been known. In 1865, London physician Robert Druitt published a book in which he urged his peers to encourage their patients to drink more red Bordeaux: "You will add 10 years to your patient's life and to your own fees."

But it is Champagne that adds a certain frisson to any event. Whether through adroit marketing or some primal human attraction to its sparkling bubbles, champagne is the tipple that people automatically reach for when they are in a mood to celebrate. As waggish writer Gerald Asher observed, "With a flute of champagne in hand, the young feel wisely witty and the old feel young; everyone is better-looking."