History of the Vine & Wine in France (French Edition): From the Origins to the 19th Century by Roger Dion

Immerse yourself in the essential work of Roger Dion, "History of the Vine & Wine in France: from the origins to the 19th century", reissued to offer wine enthusiasts and professionals a unique and enriching perspective. This book does not merely recount the classic history of vineyards; it demonstrates that the quality of French wines is shaped by much more than just terroirs or grape varieties.

Roger Dion highlights the geographical position of the vineyards, their relationship to markets, and consumer expectations, key elements that have influenced the fame of wines from France.

The great wine regions explored:

• The Bordeaux crus, whose richness stems from the English trade strategy from the Middle Ages, to satisfy the demand for high-end products.
• The Burgundy appellations, developed to meet the demands of the court of the Dukes of Burgundy.
• The spicy and fresh nose of the northern Côtes-du-Rhône, which meets the expectations of the Lyon bourgeoisie.
• The success of Champagne, due to an English invention adopted by the French and British elites.

Conversely, Dion explains why Languedoc long struggled to break into international markets, despite its potential, due to logistical obstacles that slowed down exports.

An innovative vision of terroir
According to Roger Dion, terroir is above all a "social fact," a historical construction influenced by human interactions, much more than just a geological aspect. He redefines our understanding of this term by linking it to economic and cultural contexts.

A tribute to the wine artisans
This work is an ode to the men who shaped the wine landscapes and who have elevated French wines to the status of symbols of prestige and refinement.

Book information:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782271069528
• ISBN: 978-2-271-06952-8
• Publisher: CNRS Éditions
• Publication date: 30/10/2009
• Collection: History
• Number of pages: 770
• Dimensions: 24.1 x 15.7 x 4.2 cm
• Weight: 1140 g
• Language: French