Champagne is admitedly one of Carbonnier’s favourite topics. Born in Reims, he was the US communications counselor and spokesperson for the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne – the organisation that represents the houses and growers of Champagne – for over 10 years. Now regarded as a leading Champagne expert in the US, Carbonnier regularly lectures on the subject, serves as Champagne editor for The Wine News and was the Technical Editor for Champagne for Dummies (‘99).