Wines, Vineyards, and Winemakers: History of the French Vineyard (French Edition) By Marcel Lachiver | Fayard

Wines, Vines, and Winemakers: History of the French Vineyard is a masterpiece signed by Marcel Lachiver, a renowned historian who meticulously and sensitively traces the The long history of wine in France.

Throughout its 718 pages, the author explores how our quality vineyards, and how human, political, and physical conditions have influenced, sometimes favored, and sometimes hindered, the development of illustrious crus or fallen into oblivion.

Of the aristocratic wine become popular wine, it's all the Wine civilization and its artisans come to life. The book shows how the human genius, associated with the soils, to the Slopes, at the climate and to the Grape varieties, has shaped over the centuries the wines that we know today.

From Medieval Origins to Grand Crus

From the Middle Ages, the vine is present throughout the French territory. The wine is then both a food and a tonic, appreciated in the form of white, , Clairet or light red. Rare and fragile product, it only rarely ages.

Over time, popular viticulture produces more colorful and powerful wines, sought after by the lower classes. The great wines, They appeared at the end of the 17th century, thanks to advances in Winemaking and in conservation. It is the time when the Sparkling Champagne, the Bordeaux and the Burgundies appeal to the French elites, but also to foreign enthusiasts, particularly in England and the Netherlands.

The 19th century and the golden age of terroirs

In the 19th century, the great wines experienced an unprecedented triumph. The 1855 classification officializes the best vineyards and terroirs, establishing the reputation of prestigious appellations. In 1875, the wine is present on all French tables.

But this golden age is threatened: the Phylloxera The vines are ravaged, and quality declines in favor of quantity. Crises multiply, leading to the revolt of the Languedoc winemakers and the collapse of prices.

AOC and the Preservation of Viticultural Heritage

Faced with this situation, the public authorities intervene. In 1935, France creates the controlled designations of origin (AOC), marking a major step in the protection of terroirs and the valuation of quality.

Today, as standardized drinks gain ground, Marcel Lachiver reminds us that the wine must remain the expression of a terroir and that the vine must continue to live where generations of winemakers have shaped landscapes and traditions.

About the author

Marcel Lachiver (1934-2008), historian and professor at the University of Paris X-Nanterre, dedicated his career to the study of French rural and wine heritage. Author of a thesis on Parisian vineyards, he was honorary president of the Val-d'Oise Historical Society and a member of the Committee of Historical and Scientific Works.

Book features

• Type of work : History of Wine Book

• Title : Wines, Vineyards, and Winemakers: History of the French Vineyard

• Author : Marcel Lachiver

• Editor : Fayard

• Collection : New Studies

• Publication date March 7, 2002

• Number of pages : 718

• Dimensions : 23.5 x 15.3 x 3.6 cm

• Weight : 1053 g

• Language : French

• EAN13 I'm sorry, but the text you provided appears to be an ISBN number, which doesn't require translation as it is a standardized format used internationally to identify books. If you have a text related to this ISBN that you would like translated, please provide it and I'd be happy to assist.

• ISBN : 978-2-213-61255-3