G.H. Mumm was founded in 1827, when the brothers Gottlieb, Jacobus and Philipp Mumm left their native Germany to settle in Reims and start a Champagne house. Their father was a successful wine producer and merchant in Cologne, and the family wanted to expand the business to France. In 1852 Georges Hermann Mumm, son of one of the founders, took over management and his initials became part of the brand. The Mumms were always smart marketers, and Georges Hermann invented the now famous Cordon Rouge bottling in 1852. By the early-20th century Mumm Champagne was famous internationally and served in courts, palaces and prestigious restaurants. Since 2005 the historic domaine has been part of the Pernod Ricard liquor and fine wine conglomerate. Mumm owns nearly 500 acres of mostly Pinot Noir, including many Grand Cru vineyards throughout the region. Though the estate is known for its non-vintage Cordon Rouge, wine writer Antonio Galloni has noted that “It is with its higher-end wines that Mumm really shines.”