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 oët & Chandon is sponsoring a superb exhibition entitled “La Cave de Joséphine – Le Vin Sous l’Empire à Malmaison” (“Joséphine’s Wine Cellar—Wine at Malmaison during the Empire”) at the Château de Malmaison museum. The exhibition runs until March 8, 2010.The idea for the exhibition was spawned by an inventory drawn up following the death of the Empress Joséphine, detailing the over 13,000 bottles of fine wines in the cellar of the Château de Malmaison. The list of wines served to guests at the residence is striking in its quantity and quality, with numerous fine crus from widely diverse regions. Moët champagne figures prominently in the inventory and with good reason: Jean-Rémy Moët, the grandson of the founder of the champagne house, enjoyed a longstanding friendship with Napoléon Bonaparte. In fact, Jean-Rémy Moët paid tribute to these bonds of friendship by adding “Impérial” to the label on the champagne that both the Emperor and his wife thoroughly enjoyed. The Emperor’s first orders date back to his time as First Consul, and the names of both Empress Joséphine and Madame Bonaparte “mother” figure below that of “Bonapart, Premier Consul”. Moët & Chandon has lent account books, bottles and antique labels that evoke the atmosphere at the sumptuous receptions and dinners given by Joséphine in her château. Already, the champagne signed by Monsieur Moët played a role in the lively discussions and splendor of the era. The exhibition invites visitors on a remarkable journey accompanied by evocative prestigious names, presenting the evolution of wine-making and marketing during the Empire along with the variety and quantity of the Empress’ orders. Table arts are given a place of honor too, including exceptional glassware bearing the monograms of sovereigns, crystal, silverware, glass coolers, punch bowls and more. Over 150 objets d’art, illustrated documents and account books from Josephine’s suppliers retrace the history of the wine cellar at Malmaison, providing fascinating insights into the graciously refined lifestyle that long burnished the charm and reputation of Château de Malmaison. After Malmaison the exhibition will be shown at the Musée Napoléon Thurgovie in the Château d’Arenenberg, in Salenstein, Switzerland (April 10 to October 10, 2010), then at the Museo Napoleonico in Rome (October 2010 to February 28 February). La Cave de Joséphine – Le vin sous l’Empire à Malmaison (“Joséphine’s Wine Cellar—Wine at Malmaison during the Empire”) November 18, 2009 – March 8, 2010 Musée National du Château de Malmaison Avenue du Château de Malmaison 92500 Rueil-Malmaison Tel.: 33 (0) 1.41.29.05.55 (Published on november, 29 2009) |
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