Champagne | Jean-Marie Del Moral

Historical, cultural, and gastronomic, the ambition of this beautiful work is to reveal the empirical knowledge of committed female winemakers, to witness the enthusiasm for simple and unique food-champagne pairings that are always spot-on, and, beyond that, to inscribe the fabulous history of Champagne in a taste adventure, from Blanc de Noirs to Extra Brut, through Rosé, Coteaux Champenois, and even an aged Vintage.

Synonymous with celebration, conviviality, and lightness, Champagne undoubtedly embodies these qualities, but confining it to the role of a "pleasure wine" would be limiting. A faithful companion to any aperitif or end of a meal, inviting Champagne to accompany an entire meal is indeed a great idea!

Originating from the northernmost vineyard in France, more exposed than elsewhere to the whims of the climate – spring frosts and summer rainfall – the crafting of each cuvée requires professionalism and expertise, far from the frivolous image it is often unfairly associated with. The result of centuries of passion and work to create this exceptional wine, Champagne continues to reinvent itself. Adapting to the new demands of consumers or reaching new audiences, but also facing increasingly frequent climatic challenges. Always in pursuit of more authenticity, traceability, and respect for the environment.

It is in this perspective that nine women in Champagne created the collective La Transmission. Decision-makers with diverse backgrounds, they come from different regions of Champagne and exemplify the diversity of this appellation. Their mission is selfless and motivated by the desire to share their experiences and transmit their passion to evolve the image of Champagne and the Champagne region.

Around La Transmission: 35 artisans, producers, amateur cooks, and renowned gastronomy figures; 1 historian; 1 photographer.
Almost exclusively savory, the recipes draw inspiration from the family or professional stories of the women of La Transmission and showcase Champagnes from the most well-known to the rarest, in classic or daring pairings, always creative.

10 champagne families; 70 cuvées or vintages; 80 recipes and 80 pairings; 240 photographs; archival documents; 9 portraits; 8 appendices and wine, historical, or Champenois chronologies.
This work was born out of exchanges with these women, as professional as they are determined. It tells the story of the world's most famous wine through the prism of La Transmission and the values of Champagne and the Champagne region that this collective embodies and proudly upholds, with a motto of sharing and pleasure.