Champagne - by Don Kladstrup & Petie Kladstrup (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The authors of the international bestseller Wine and War chronicle the untold dramatic history of Champagne from the 13th century through the crucibles of two world wars to the 21st century

Throughout history, waves of invaders including Franks, Visigoths, Burgundians, Merovingians, Barbarians, Alamanshave swept across the verdant region of Champagne in southern France. Yet this region, which historians say has suffered more invasions, battles, and wars than any other place on earth, is also the birthplace of the one ingredient that above all others epitomizes joy: champagne.

Gallant Harvest tells the fascinating, little-known story of champagne, the world's favorite wine.

Don and Petie Kladstrup share how a sparkling beverage that was the toast of Belle Epoque society not only survived the bloodbath of World War I, but grew even more popular in the war's wake. Thorughout they introduce gutsy, larger-than-life characters determined to preserve their land and their grapes; vintners for whom champagne is not only their heritage and livelihood but a part of their souls and the soul of their nation.

From the Back Cover

Throughout history, waves of invaders have coveted the northeast corner of France: Attila the Hun in the fifth century, the English in the Hundred Years War, the Prussians in the nineteenth century. Yet this region - which historians say has suffered more battles and wars than any other place on earth - is also the birthplace of one thing the entire world equates with good times, friendship and celebration: champagne.

Champagne is the story of the world's favourite wine. It tells how a sparkling beverage that became the toast of society during the Belle Epoque emerged after World War I as a global icon of fine taste and good living. The book celebrates the gutsy, larger-than-life characters whose proud determination nurtured and preserved the land and its grapes throughout centuries of conflict.

Review Quotes

"Compelling... a lovingly written ode to this incomparable, festive wine." -- New York Newsday on Champagne