Que saignent les vignes du roi (French edition) By Frédéric Couderc | Flammarion

"Que saignent les vignes du roi" is a captivating novel by Frédéric Couderc, published by Flammarion. This work plunges the reader into the fascinating world of Versailles in 1709, a time when France was experiencing one of the harshest winters in living memory. The plot features Piero Rossignol, a young sommelier who is thrust into the Sun King's Table after the brutal and enigmatic death of his master. Piero must then protect the royal wines, not only from the frost but also from the machinations of the agonizing Court and a conspiracy orchestrated by the merchants of Champagne, led by the famous Dom Pérignon.

The king's vineyards are in peril, and with them, Piero's reputation and integrity. His life is even threatened when he becomes entangled in a series of mysteries, including the discovery of a young woman fainted in the Palace gardens and the mad quest for an elixir of "long life" that his master had jealously hidden. Piero quickly realizes that this quest might be linked to the bloody episodes unfolding around him.

The novel explores themes of money, power, betrayal, blackmail, and impossible loves. These elements show Piero that the apparent calm of his cellars and the refined flavors of his vintages cannot escape the corruption plaguing the crown of France. Far from being discouraged, Piero must fight to protect what he holds dearest, while navigating through strained friendships and wounded love.

The tension builds to the point where Piero is faced with heart-wrenching choices that could well seal his fate. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats by a plot rich in twists and deeply human characters, evolving in a perfectly recreated historical context.

Que saignent les vignes du roi is more than just a historical novel; it is a dive into a period where wine, a symbol of civilization and refinement, becomes the stage for power struggles and the quest for immortality. The pen of Frédéric Couderc manages to capture the grandeur and decadence of Versailles while offering a nuanced portrayal of characters caught in turmoil.

For lovers of historical novels and stories where wine plays a central role, this book is a must-read. With 336 pages of suspense and discoveries, "Que saignent les vignes du roi" is a work that will captivate all those interested in the history of France, viticulture, and court intrigues.

Additional information:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782081212893
• ISBN: 978-2-08-121289-3
• Publisher: Flammarion
• Publication date: 04/08/2009
• Collection: HISTORICAL NOVELS
• Number of pages: 336
• Dimensions: 24 x 15 cm
• Weight: 500 g
• Language: French