The 1811 vintage was exceptional in many European wine-growing regions and is considered the best of the past three centuries. Among others, the red wines from Château Lafite-Rothschild (then Château Lafite) and Château d'Yquem, a Riesling from the Bassermann-Jordan winery and Tokay in general are mentioned. Wines from this vintage are also known as "Napoleon wines" because Emperor Napoleon (1769-1821) was at the height of his fame at the time. His son Napoleon II was also born in this year and Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827) wrote his greatest pieces, including the overture "The Ruins of Athens" op. 113.
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena