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Six fascinating bestsellers that every champagne lover has to have in their library. These would all make excellent Christmas gifts, and are all available on Amazon through the links below.
1. Champagne: How the World's Most Glamorous Wine Triumphed Over War
by Don & Petie Kladstrup
From the battle of Attila the Hun in the Côte des Bar in the fifth century, all the way through to WWII, the Champagne region has been constantly devastated by war. Yet, this has turned the champenois into some of the most resilient people to walk the earth, and from adversity they built the world's most recognised wine. This sequel to Wine & War, which detailed the uprising of winemakers all over France during WWII, celebrates the audacity and bravery of the houses and growers of Champagne.
One of the best books I have read about champagne. Highly recommend. Buy here.
2. Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroirs of the Iconic Region
by Peter Liem
Sometimes referred to as the Champagne Bible, Peter Liem's masterpiece is a beautiful coffee table book that makes for perfect lockdown learning. But it also includes a pullout tray with a complete set of seven vintage vineyard maps by Louis Larmat.
These maps are some of the most detailed drawings of the Champagne appellation available on the market, and will make a great addition to all champagne lovers library.
Buy here.
3. Champagne - A tasting Journey
by Kaaren Palmer
Australian author Kaaren Palmer spent years researching and writing what is now considered to be the ultimate guide to tasting, visiting and enjoying champagne. Considered to be "the Champagne Bible" by Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, Cellar Master of Louis Roederer, it takes the reader on a journey through the villages, vineyards, houses and different cuvees of the region. It is perfect for those looking to explore the region from afar, or sommeliers wanting an in depth, step-by-step approach to the world's most precious drop.
4. The Champagne Guide
by Tyson Stelzer
Tyson has everyone's dream job: tasting champagne for a living. This year he has tasted and reviewed 834 cuvées which he has featured in his latest guide.
Along with Tyson's frank and unreserved tasting notes is a little history on each house and the back story of some very special cuvées.
Great encyclopedia to have at home for when you want to look up any wine that you may have just popped open.
Buy here
5. Bursting Bubbles: A Secret History of Champagne and the Rise of the Great Growers
by Robert Walters
Aussie importer Rob Walters brings in some of the finest grower champagnes to the lucky country, and this chef d'oeuvre recounts the stories of those winemakers and the exceptional terroir they lie on. But don't read this expecting all glitz and glam. Rob is a great supporter of small producers and has little time for the marketing of the mastodons of the region. He debunks many of the legends that have been built around them, and shares the real stories of the people of Champagne.
A fantastic introduction to the artisans of champagne and their stories that need to be told. Buy here.
6. The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It
by Tilar J Mazzeo
One of the bubbliest biographies on the first female entrepreneur of Champagne. Married during the revolution and then swept into the family business after her husband's death at 27, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot-Ponsardin went from being considered an object to building the most known champagne brand. Mazzeo had unlimited access to the Clicquot archives and penned a beautiful narrative around Barbe-Nicole, including her creation of the riddling table and her visionary entry into the Russian market just hours after a cease-fire. This is a great read for champagne lovers and history buffs alike. To be enjoyed without moderation. Buy here.
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