La vigne et le vin en France, de l'Antiquité au XXè siècle

Why is France considered the country where the most prestigious wines are produced? From the Romans to our current appellations, they are the result of a long-standing relationship between people, the land, and the vine. The special relationships that our society has maintained with vines, from their exploitation in Gaul to the creation of contemporary viticulture in the last century, have led to the creation of vineyards in each region that are as different as they are original. In this fascinating human story, climatic, geographical, economic, and even political and religious aspects intertwine, all of which have had a significant influence on viticulture. Despite numerous crises, including the phylloxera epidemic that destroyed almost the entire vineyard at the end of the 19th century, this culture has survived to give rise to an authentic viticulture in France that shines worldwide. Beyond the history of wine, we discover the history of an entire people, because, as the Greek fabulist Babrius said: "The history of wine is the history of the world." Wine enthusiasts as well as history buffs will be captivated by this narrative, filled with anecdotes that connect us to our roots and to what makes our culture unique. Pierre Salles studied oenology in Bordeaux with renowned teachers such as Pascal Ribéreau-Gayon, Émile Peynaud, and Guy Guimberteau, who have left their mark on contemporary winemaking. He has worked in various wine-related professions and was a leader in a large Corsican cooperative group. He is also an avid collector of ancient works on the subject and leads the very active oenology club Le Rolle de Bonson.