Champagne

Více o knize

From Attila the Hun to the Germans of World War II, the verdant region of Champagne in northern France has faced waves of invaders. Yet, this strife-torn land is also the birthplace of the world's favorite sparkling wine. In this captivating history, Don and Petie Kladstrup reveal how champagne, born from bloodshed, evolved into a symbol of glamour and celebration. The narrative features larger-than-life figures, such as Dom Pérignon, who dedicated his life to eliminating bubbles from champagne; Louis XIV, the Sun King, who exclusively drank it; and Napoleon, who introduced the world to this exquisite beverage. Generations of local vintners also played crucial roles, like Claude Moët, who brought bottles to Versailles and delighted Madame de Pompadour, who famously said, "Champagne is the only wine that lets a woman remain beautiful after she has drunk it." Charles-Camille Heidsieck, known as "Champagne Charlie," popularized the drink in America and was imprisoned as a spy during the Civil War. World War I tested Champagne like never before, as the region suffered devastation, forcing thousands underground into the cellars of champagne houses, which became makeshift schools, hospitals, and offices. Remarkably, grapes continued to be harvested amidst the chaos, and the wartime vintages are now considered among the finest ever produced. This unforgettable history will forever change your perspective on a glass of bubbly.