Joséphine d'Yquem (French edition): The Origin of a Legendary Wine By Christel de Lassus

Immerse yourself in "Joséphine d'Yquem (French Edition) – The Origin of a Legendary Wine", a fascinating work by Christel de Lassus, published by Flammarion. This book unveils the extraordinary life of Joséphine de Sauvage, a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the history of French winemaking.

In 1785, Joséphine inherited the Yquem estate, which at the time was far from its current global fame. Trained by her father in the art of wine cultivation and tasting, she took charge of the family estate after her husband’s death.

In an era when aristocratic women of the 18th century rarely held leadership roles, Joséphine stood out with her courage and ambition. Despite the challenges posed by the French Revolution and family tragedies, she fiercely defended the quality and reputation of her vineyard.

A Visionary Pursuing Excellence

Joséphine revolutionized viticulture by uncovering the critical role of botrytis cinerea, known as "noble rot," in transforming grape juice into luscious sweet wine. Her innovative late harvests and meticulous grape selection set her apart, even when her methods faced skepticism from fellow winemakers.

The unique climate of the Yquem estate—with its morning mists and optimal sunshine—proved ideal for the maturation required for this exceptional white wine. Her pioneering techniques have solidified the estate’s reputation, making its wine one of the most celebrated in the world.

An Overlooked Pioneer, a Rediscovered Legacy

This biography is also a tribute to a woman whose contributions have been unjustly forgotten. Through extensive family archive research, Christel de Lassus brings to life the compelling story of a trailblazer who thrived in a predominantly male domain.

Product Features:

• Title: Joséphine d'Yquem (French Edition) – The Origin of a Legendary Wine
• Author: Christel de Lassus
• Publisher: Flammarion
• Collection: Biographies, Memoirs
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: 03/05/2023
• ISBN/EAN13: 978-2-08-027946-0 / 9782080279460
• Page Count: 340
• Dimensions: 22 x 14.5 x 1.8 cm
• Weight: 318 g
• Language: French