Napoleon Bonaparte

If you could meet a historical figure, who would it be and why?

Napoleon Bonaparte, because of his military prowess and his passion for champagne. As a veteran myself, I love that.

Napoleon and Moët

In 1782, Napoleon met Jean-Rémy Moët, the grandson of Claude Moët, the founder of Moët & Chandon, while studying at the military academy (where Jean was visiting for soliciting orders for the family business). The two started a friendship which would last a lifetime.

Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte loved champagne. Before every military campaign, he made a point of visiting the Moët & Chandon house to stock up on cases of Champagne.

Moët Imperial

Did you know that Moët Imperial, the House’s flagship champagne, owes its name to Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte? He visited Moët’s estates in Epernay numerous times and also awarded Jean-Remy Moët one of France’s highest honours, the medal of the Légion d’honneur.

Sabrage

Legend has it that Napoleon and his troops invented sabrage, which is slicing open the champagne bottle with a saber. His soldiers used to do this after winning battles.

Impressing Madame Cliqout

In another tale, Madame Cliqout who had inherited her husband’s small champagne house used to offer champagne to Napoleon’s officers, and as they rode off with their complimentary bottle of champagne, they would open it with their saber to impress the rich young widow.

Champagne Quote

Napoleon is credited with the famous quote on champagne: Champagne! In victory one deserves it, in defeat one needs it” – Napoleon Bonaparte

Exile at St Helena

Napoleon had been exiled to the small Atlantic island following his defeat at the Waterloo in June 1815. Even while imprisoned here on St Helena, Napoleon and his staff received a bottle of Champagne (and 10 bottles of claret every day) amongst other provisions.

Napoleon in exile on St Helena, 1815-1821 by Spanish School. Image – Meisterdrucke

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Cheers !!