Pol Roger made his first sale of wine in January 1849. The firm developed rapidly. From Aÿ, it moved to Epernay in 1851. As early as 1855, Pol began to favour the production of brut Champagne. He knew that this was the type of Champagne that the English preferred. By 1899, when its founder died, the brand had acquired an enviable amount of recognition. It had only taken about thirty years. On 23rd February 1900, a disaster occurred: Part of the cellars and the buildings collapsed. Five hundred casks and one and a half million bottles were lost. By this time, Pol Roger's sons, Maurice and Georges, were in charge of the firm. A show of solidarity together with brother's determination enabled the firm to overcome this catastrophe. Exports progressed and many crowned heads became customers of the brand. The emblematic figure of Winston Churchill left his mark on the post-war period. This British statesman was an unwavering client of the Maison Pol Roger: "The most delightful address in the world", he declared. Their prestige cuvee is named after him.