Which Bordeaux red wine was Napoleon's favorite?
Okay, let's talk about this fascinating topic.
About Napoleon's Favorite Wine: It Might Be a Beautiful Misconception
Hey there! Asking about Napoleon's favorite Bordeaux red wine is a question many people are curious about. But interestingly, if we strictly consult the history books, we find a fascinating fact: Napoleon's most beloved and frequently mentioned "imperial wine" throughout his life wasn't actually from Bordeaux, but from Burgundy!
It's like asking a Beijinger which Lanzhou noodle restaurant is their favorite, only to discover they eat Zhajiangmian (Beijing noodles) every day.
The True Star: Burgundy's "Chambertin"
Napoleon's "true love" was a premier cru red wine from Burgundy called Chambertin.
- How much did he love it? It's said that Napoleon drank half a bottle every day, whether at court banquets or commanding troops on the front lines. His personal valet ensured his cellar and campaign wagons were always well-stocked with Chambertin.
- Why this wine? Chambertin is renowned for its powerful, robust, and complex style, described by some as possessing an "imperial aura." This likely resonated deeply with Napoleon's own personality and taste. He is even credited with the famous quote: "Nothing makes the future look so rosy as to contemplate it through a glass of Chambertin."
- A little story: Legend has it that before the Battle of Waterloo, due to the rushed march, he couldn't drink his beloved Chambertin, and well... we all know what happened next. Of course, this is just a playful legend, but it shows how deeply this wine became associated with his image.
(This is the entrance to the Chambertin Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, arguably Napoleon's spiritual homeland)
What About Bordeaux? Did He Not Drink It At All?
Of course he did!
In Napoleon's time, Bordeaux was already one of France's premier wine regions. Top estates like Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux undoubtedly graced the Emperor's table. As the Emperor of the First French Empire, enjoying the country's most celebrated products was only natural.
However, unlike Chambertin, no specific Bordeaux red wine is explicitly recorded in history as his "favorite" or "daily designated wine." He drank Bordeaux wines, but didn't "exclusively favor" any single one. So, if you see a château marketing itself as "Napoleon's favorite Bordeaux wine," that's likely just marketing talk – take it with a grain of salt.
Don't Forget Another "Beauty": Constantia Sweet White
Beyond red wine, Napoleon had another "soulmate" in his final years.
During his last days in exile on the island of St. Helena, he was accompanied by the legendary sweet white wine Constantia from South Africa. It's said he drank a glass daily; this luscious taste was perhaps his only solace in the misery of exile. On his deathbed, he reportedly refused all other food, asking only for a little Constantia.
To Summarize Simply:
- Core Question: Which Bordeaux red wine was Napoleon's favorite?
- Direct Answer: There is no clear record. This is a common misconception; he never publicly expressed a preference for one specific Bordeaux wine.
- True Love: It was Chambertin red wine from Burgundy, his lifelong, inseparable "comrade-in-arms."
- Final Solace: It was Constantia sweet white wine from South Africa, which accompanied him through his final days.
So, next time this topic comes up with friends, you can knowledgeably share this more interesting and complete story about Napoleon and wine!