De la graisse des vins
$260 USD
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Early scientific pamphlet on wine diseases.
Herpin, Jean Charles
De la graisse des vins
Des phénomènes de cette maladie, de ses causes, des moyens d'y remédier, et de ceux de la prévenir.
1819, Chalons-sur-Marne, Boniez-Lambert
Second Edition
$260 USD
Sale price
$260 USD
Regular price
Overview
In-8. Pp. 40
This work by Jean Charles Herpin addresses one of viticulture's most perplexing maladies: the 'graisse' or ropiness of wines, a bacterial fault that renders wine viscous and unpalatable. Published in 1819 as a revised second edition, this treatise represents early scientific inquiry into wine pathology, pre-dating modern microbiology by decades. Herpin's methodical approach to understanding wine diseases through chemical analysis marked a significant advancement in oenological science. This rare pamphlet offers invaluable insight into 19th-century viticulture and the evolution of wine science, making it essential for collectors of agricultural and scientific literature.
Inside the book
The treatise systematically examines the phenomenon of wine 'graisse' (ropiness), analyzing its chemical manifestations and proposing remedies based on contemporary knowledge. Herpin details the symptoms of this wine fault, explores its probable causes through chemical reasoning, and suggests treatments involving tartaric compounds and controlled fermentation. The work includes observations on wine chemistry, fermentation processes, and preventive measures for maintaining wine quality. Written in the precise scientific language of the early 19th century, it reflects the era's transition from empirical winemaking to systematic chemical analysis.
Condition
Original paperback binding with printed cover with printed itle and decorative frame, and string seam construction. Untrimmed. Some light foxing. The cover is dated 1818 as the first edition, while the title page is marked 1819. Overall, a well-preserved copy.
Dimensions (inches): 8 1/2 x 5 1/5 x 1/4
Why La Fenice likes it
A tiny, wonderfully serious inquiry into wine gone wrong: cellar drama, early chemistry, and bad bottles become a doorway into the birth of modern oenology.
About the author
Jean-Charles Herpin (1798-1872), French physician, economist, and agronomist from Metz. Prolific author on agriculture, medicine, and public health.
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