June's Reading

I am perpetually drawn to stories of women who make their way in the worlds of wine, beer and spirits.  Even today the worlds of wine, beer and spirits betray a maschismo (or at least are normatively masculine) despite sincere attemtps to appear egalitarian.  As such, I am inspired by the character at the center of this month's reading: The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazzeo.  Born to obscure parents, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin was widowed at the age of 27 with a small child to care for.  Without much in the way of resources, Ponsardin steers her family's fledging winery through the Napoleonic Wars and into history as the most well-know house of Champagne in the world.  Savoured by many and recognized by all Veuve (Widow) Clicquot is a household name, and now, thanks to Ms Mazzeo, we can know a little more about the woman who gave us this delicious indulgence.  Join us on Wednesday June 26th for a lively discussion and something bubbly!

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