The French ruler Louis XIV (1638-1715), known as the "Sun King", represents the pinnacle of absolutist monarchy in Europe. His main goal was the complete centralisation of all power in his person, which is manifested by the saying "L'état c'est moi" (The state is me). He surrounded himself with the most outstanding men of his era in the fields of administration, economy, construction, military, art and science. The royal house owned large vineyards in all the important wine-growing regions, traditionally for example in Aÿ, the most important commune in Champagne. The unstoppable rise of Champagne also began during the reign of Louis XIV. The famous Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who made a decisive contribution to the development of this sparkling wine, interestingly has the same life dates as Louis XIV.
The king was a great connoisseur and wine lover. He gave the Hungarian Tokay, which he particularly appreciated, the honourable title "Vinum Regum - Rex Vinorum" = Wine of Kings - King of Wines (which was also given to other spirits ). The personal physician Guy-Crescent Fagon (1638-1718) recommended a red wine from Nuits-Saint-Georges on the Côte d'Or (Burgundy) to the ageing king. Other wines he appreciated came from the Cabrières, Château Giscours, Château Palmer, Cornas, Coulée-de-Serrant, Lirac, Mâconnais, Rosé des Riceys and Vin doux naturel (Roussillon) estates or areas. He was a regular at the famous restaurant La Tour d'Argent in Paris, where 450,000 bottles of wine are stored in the cellar.
Louis XIV: From Hyacinthe Rigaud, Public domain, Link
Versailles: From Pierre Denis Martin - Origin unknown, Public domain, Link
