The wine of Epineuil (French edition): the renaissance of a Burgundian vineyard by Jean-Pierre Durand

The wine of Épineuil, once threatened with extinction, has made a spectacular comeback thanks to the determination of a passionate community. This book, written by Jean-Pierre Durand, emeritus professor of sociology, explores the fascinating history of this unique Burgundian vineyard.

In the 1960s, the Épineuil vineyard had shrunk to just about ten hectares, replaced by cereal fields or fallow land. The vine seemed to have disappeared, a victim of economic fluctuations, rural exodus, and the destruction caused by phylloxera. However, it was thanks to the efforts of André Durand, a schoolteacher who became mayor for 25 years, that the vineyard was able to be reborn. Supported by the agricultural authorities of Yonne and the hard work of many local players, the land was patiently prepared and then replanted with Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varieties.

This book tells the epic story that begins in the 11th century, when the Épineuil vineyard was established. It recounts periods of prosperity as well as times of crisis that almost led to its disappearance. The war of 1914-18, which took many winemakers to the trenches, dealt a severe blow to the vineyard. It then suffered from the difficult economic conditions of the interwar period and from phylloxera, a scourge that destroyed hectares of vines across Europe.

But it is especially the revival of the vineyard that gives strength to this book. The work illustrates how, thanks to the passion of the winemakers and local growers, Épineuil has regained its place among the great wines of Burgundy. These men and women not only rehabilitated the vineyard but also worked to elevate the quality of the wines produced, notably by adopting environmentally friendly practices, and for some, converting to organic farming. The current climate challenge pushes those involved in viticulture to continuously innovate and find solutions to sustain this exceptional terroir.

Today, the wine of Épineuil is once again appreciated both in France and abroad, attesting to the culmination of efforts undertaken more than fifty years ago. Jean-Pierre Durand, through this book, pays tribute to all those who contributed to this adventure. He used the archives of André Durand and also gathered testimonies from those who participated closely or remotely in the revival of the vineyard.

This story is both a tribute to the history of wine in Burgundy and a message of hope for the future of small vineyards. The transition towards more sustainable and nature-friendly viticulture is underway, and this book clearly shows that the love of wine and terroir can overcome all obstacles.

Item Characteristics:

• Title: The Wine of Épineuil: Renaissance of a Burgundian Vineyard
• Author: Jean-Pierre Durand
• Publisher: Raison Passions
• Publication Date: 30/04/2022
• Number of Pages: 175
• Dimensions: 21 x 21 x 1.1 cm
• Weight: 515 g
• Language: French
• EAN13: 9782917645925
• ISBN: 978-2-917645-92-5