Pol Roger

Pol Roger was only 18 when, in 1849, he made his first wine sale. He was forced into business as a result of his father becoming too ill to work, and so the family settled in Epernay to build Pol Roger's firm. He soon found the English had a preference for brut champagne, so this was where he focused his efforts, growing the brand considerably before his sons took over the reins in 1899.

The company remains family-run and independent to this day. It is noted for being the personal favourite of Sir Winston Churchill who is quoted as having said of it: 'In success you deserve it, and in defeat you need it'.