Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Reading Champagne

I just finished reading Champagne – How the World’s Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times by Don and Petie Kladstrup. A quick and delightful read outlining the history of the area and the bubbly from Attila the Hun through World War II. The Kladstrups give an interesting comparison of Dom Perignon and Louis XIV, who were contemporaries. The description of the extent and uses of the crayeres (caves) is fascinating. The book also gives particular insight into the devastation of World War I. Most of the major champagne houses are represented along with outlandish, daring, and heroic episodes. And, of course, when reading, indulge in a taste of the stars.

Some of my favorite producers include:

Pommery

Piper-Heidseick

Montaudon

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4 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:35 AM

    You may also be interested in reading Wine and War.

    http://www.amazon.com/Wine-War-Frances-Greatest-Treasure/dp/0767904486

    I have a copy if you want to borrow it. Let me know and we can meet up somewhere. I'm downtown during the day. In the West End in the evenings and weekends.

    Cheers.

    (I also have A Good Year by Peter Mayle. It's a quick, fluffy read...but good nonetheless...if you're interested).

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  2. Phriendly Jaime5:28 PM

    Hey girl! Hope you are doing well!

    (If you don't remember me, we met at the RVA blogger meetup in March)

    I searched your site today; I need a recommendation for good, downtown Richmond, Mexican food. I saw you reviewed a place in the SouthSide, but I don't feel like crossing the bridge. ;)

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  3. pjpink5:53 PM

    Hi p jaime!

    Cielito Lindo is worth the drive! I have found little Mexican inpiration on the north side of the river. I usually fall back on La Casita on Brook Rd. It's funky with all of the lights. They have decent and not too expensive margaritas. I also like the three different hot salsas. Mixing the green with the creamy one is yeehaw! If you go, check out the nightly special. The last time I went they had a grilled chicken breast with a mole sauce and a green sauce that was decent. Good luck and good eatings!

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  4. pjpink5:55 PM

    Tripp - I think both myself and my husband would be interested in Wine and War. I'll email you.

    ReplyDelete