ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

Champagne is not just a drink. It is deep in the fabric of our culture.

(SOUNDBITE OF MONTAGE)

FRANK SINATRA: (Singing) I get no kick from champagne.

THE NOTORIOUS B I G: (Singing) Now we sip champagne when we thirsty.

TAYLOR SWIFT: ...(Singing) Landing, champagne problems.

SHAPIRO: So what happens when the king of bubbles gets dethroned? This week, for the first time, a British bottle won Champion Sparkling Wine at the International Wine Challenge. This is the first time a non-champagne has taken the competition's top prize. Cherie Spriggs is head winemaker at Nyetimber. Her 2016 Blanc to Blanc Magnum is the new reigning champion. Welcome and congratulations.

CHERIE SPRIGGS: Oh, thank you so much. It's an honor.

SHAPIRO: This seems to have taken the wine world b

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