THE ART OF MAKING WINE: According to the Doctrine of Chaptal.

They were the best of times, they were the worst of times. The French Revolution had just given way to the Napoleonic Empire, while another Revolution was brewing- or at least fermenting- in vineyards all over France. "Citizen" Chaptal, Minister of the Interior, scholar, and renaissance man, had just introduced a Revolution in wine making. To this day chaptalization is the term used for the employment of calcium carbonate and sugar to improve the quality of wine. This is the simple manual that was sent out to vintners so that wine across France could be transformed from the often sour mess that it had once been to the reliably tasty and durable beverage we all know and love today. This book marks a watershed moment in wine history, and even provides enough information for the enterprising wino to begin his own wine making operation, although the internet is likely a better resource. For fans of wine and wine history, this little book is a must that forever improved must, a taste of the rich bouquet of wine making history, a leaven for vinous conversation, a franc exposition of wine's colorful history that goes well with your smelliest cheese. A great Bastille day gift. A must have for the Francophile enophile in your domicile. When modern life asphyxiates us with its insipid routine, we can always turn to wine to remember that human life is essentially great, especially when you're sipping some Chateauneuf du Pape with a nice foie gras, which means fatty liver after all, which is what you get when you overindulge. But that shouldn't keep you from indulging.