A History of Champagne, with Notes on the Other Sparkling Wines of France

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

46953

Title

A History of Champagne, with Notes on the Other Sparkling Wines of France

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Henry Vizetelly's comprehensive history traces Champagne from ancient Gaul to the Regency, detailing its evolution into a sparkling wine, the rivalry with Burgundy, and its rise as a global favorite among royalty and poets.

Summary up to 500 words

Henry Vizetelly's *A History of Champagne* offers a comprehensive chronicle of France's most celebrated beverage, tracing its evolution from ancient Gaul to the late nineteenth century. The narrative begins with the vine's introduction under Roman emperors and its cultivation amidst barbarian invasions, noting the parallel rise of Christianity and viticulture in the region. Vizetelly meticulously debunks legends surrounding Dom Pérignon, clarifying that while the monk was a skilled innovator who perfected blending and corking techniques, he did not single-handedly invent sparkling wine; effervescence had been noted by ancients long before his time at the Abbey of Hautvillers. A central theme of the work is the spirited 'Battle of the Wines,' a literary and medical debate pitting Champagne's effervescent vitality against Burgundy's solid character. Vizetelly documents how Champagne eventually prevailed, celebrated for inspiring wit, joy, and creativity among poets like Voltaire and dramatists of the Restoration. The book vividly portrays the wine's explosion in popularity during the reigns of Louis XIV and the Regency, featuring anecdotes of lavish court banquets and its consumption by European potentates such as Peter the Great and Frederick the Great. Vizetelly provides an intimate look at the manufacturing process, describing visits to major houses in Reims, Epernay, Avize, and Mareuil. He details the pressing, blending, bottling, and disgorgement methods of the era, illustrating the scale of production that supported millions of bottles annually. The text also addresses the socio-political turbulence affecting the industry, including the impact of wars, revolutions, and oppressive taxes under the *ancien régime*. Personal vignettes add emotional depth, such as the tragic death of Marshal Lannes and the heroic sacrifice of Cazotte's daughter during the Terror. Rich with illustrations and footnotes citing ancient manuscripts, this volume serves as both a definitive historical record and an engaging celebration of Champagne's cultural significance. It concludes by exploring other sparkling wines of France, establishing Champagne's unique status as the 'sparkling soul of mirth' that shaped French identity and global taste.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Wine