Madame Pommery, Creator of Brut Champagne

DESCRIPTION:

"A tour-de-force of historical fiction, Madame Pommery is a deeply fascinating work that blends true-to-life details with artfully crafted elements." --Publishers Weekly BookLife Prize

Madame Pommery is a story of a woman's indomitable spirit in the face of insurmountable odds. Set in Champagne, France in 1860, Madame Pommery is a forty-year-old widow and etiquette teacher whose husband has passed away. Now she must find a way to support her family. With no experience, she decides to make champagne, but no champagne makers will teach her their craft. Undeterred, Madame Pommery begins to secretly excavate champagne caves under the Reims city dump and faces numerous obstacles to achieve her dream. From the Franco-Prussian war that conscripts her son and crew to the Prussian General Frederick Franz occupying her home, Madame Pommery perseveres. She even must choose between her champagne dreams and a marriage proposal from her former lover, a Scottish Baron. Inspired by a true story.

COMPARATIVE FILM/BOOK:

The Iron Lady (2011): Biographical drama tells the story of Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Like Madame Pommery, Thatcher was a strong and determined woman who faced many obstacles in her life. Hidden Figures (2016): This historical drama tells the story of three women who worked as mathematicians at NASA during the Space Race. Like Madame Pommery, these women faced discrimination and prejudice, but they persevered and made significant contributions to their field. Colette (2018): This biographical drama tells the story of Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, a French novelist and actress. Colette was a trailblazing figure who broke down gender barriers in the literary world. Like Madame Pommery, she was a strong and independent woman who refused to be constrained by the expectations of her time. Bottle Shock (2008): This historical drama tells the story of the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting, where a California winemaker shocked the wine world by defeating French wines in a blind tasting. The film stars Sandra Oh as Barrett's wife, a talented winemaker in her own right. Sideways (2004): This comedy-drama follows two friends on a road trip through California wine country. Miles is a serious wine lover who is determined to find the perfect bottle of Pinot Noir, while Jack is more interested in having a good time. The film features a number of strong female characters, including Maya , a single mother who owns a vineyard, and Stephanie, a sommelier who is Miles' love interest. A Good Year (2006): This romantic comedy, a London wine merchant who inherits a vineyard in Provence. Max travels to France to sell the vineyard, but falls in love with the region and its people. A local woman who helps Max to learn about winemaking. Wine Country (2019): A group of friends who go on a wine weekend in Napa Valley. The film is a funny and heartwarming look at female friendship and midlife crises. Uncorked (2020): A young man dreams of becoming a sommelier.

CASTING:

Madame Pommery: Juliette Binoche or Audrey Tautou Reynard Wolfe, the banker: James Cordon Hery Vasnier Madame Pommery's assistant and lover: Gaspard Ulliel

PRIMARY VENUES/LOCATIONS WITHIN THE BOOK:

Champagne region of France, London, Scottish Castle

BOOK EXCERPT: