1855 - How menus tell the story of “A classification that is more modern than ever before”

picurean duo Nicolas Kenedi – a gastronomy expert – and Jean-Maurice Sacré, who has collected over 4,000 historic menus from Louis XIV to François Mitterrand, presented their fourth volume in the ‘Histoire par le menu’ collection on December 4 in Bordeaux. Titled ‘1855. Culte et Cultures’, the book was published to commemorate the 170th anniversary of the 1855 classification of Médoc and Sauternes Grands Crus. It is designed as a journey into the land of diplomacy and gastronomy, celebrating the alliance of the 88 chateaux classified in 1855 and the lavish dinners at which they were served.

The illustrated literary work – which retails for 850 euros – mingles history and fine dining and is aimed at all those who appreciate refinement and etiquette. To date, only 14 of the classification’s 88 chateaux have bought a copy. Nicolas Kenedi and Jean-Maurice Sacré are still hopeful, however, that a paperback version will be released. “Discussions are currently underway”, confirmed Kenedi. In the meantime, the book’s release is being promoted and celebrated through a series of exceptional dinners in major international capital cities.

Several contributors were involved in producing the opus. These include historian Guillaume Picon, critic Gabrielle Vizzavona, who wrote the portraits of the chateaux, and the artist, engraver and illustrator Philippe Cognée whose work is featured. A dozen people in total contributed to the book, from Xavier Mauduit to Prince Joachim Murat, Jean Tulard, Aymeric de Clouet and François Audouze.