French Wine: An Illustrated Miscellany (Flammarion Illustrated Miscellany Series) - Hardcover

Bernard Pivot

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 2080201549 ISBN 13: 9782080201546

Publisher: Flammarion, 2014

Synopsis

This truly exceptional miscellany of anecdotes, facts, quotable quotes, and interesting stories celebrates wine in all its guises: from the mythical origin of the toast (it was customary for guests to tip part of their drink into their companions glass to prevent being poisoned at a dinner) to the exact number of references to wine in the Bible (441) to the debate over whether Dom Perignon discovered bubbles, effectively inventing champagne, or simply the tradition of blending the grapes in the drink he described as ''like drinking stars.'' With references to world-class French vineyards and favored grape varieties, the author covers the topic in a fascinating pastiche. Through quotes illustrating how traditions persist, such as Napoleon's ''You drink champagne in victory, and you need it in defeat,'' this exquisitely produced volume is the perfect gift for the wine aficionado or bon vivant.

About this title

Review:

''This book is guaranteed to bring long hours of reading enjoyment. ... The illustrations are gorgeous. It will take you about five minutes of reading before you want to rush out to buy a nice bottle of French wine. Very highly recommended to anyone who loves ''vin français''.'' --The Austin Chronicle

''A charming and eccentric melange of wine information.'' --France Magazine

''Beautiful photographs and quirky facts combine to make this book perfect to dip into to find out everything you never thought to ask about wine.'' --The Drinks Business

About the Author:

Bernard Pivot is a celebrated French television, radio, and newspaper journalist who has contributed to cultural programs for over thirty years.

About this edition

• Publisher: Flammarion
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 2080201549
• ISBN 13: 9782080201546
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256