INTRODUCTION
Our family wanted to bring out the two ‘faces’ of the vineyard by producing these two very distinct wines, and we feel that the story of Abélard and Héloïse’s unwavering commitment to each other is mirrored in our own convictions. We admire their ability to combine deep thinking, passion and tenacity, and we apply those same values to the wines that bear their names. Like the famous lovers, we wanted these wines to each be distinguished in their own right but also have an interesting relationship with each other when you drink them side by side: we recommend two glasses and a small measure of each.
THE AFFAIR & THE SECRET MARRIAGE
Abélard and Héloïse are one of history’s most celebrated couples, known for their passionate love affair as well as the tragedy that cruelly separated them. Their extraordinary story begins in 12th century Paris, with the intellectually gifted, beautiful young Héloïse, who is on an existential quest for knowledge. She's entrusted to Abélard, a philosopher and theologian considered one of the greatest thinkers of his time. He remains to this day one of the most distinguished philosophers of the Middle Ages. Although 20 years her senior, Abélard is captivated by Héloïse’s rare wit and intelligence. They soon become lovers, entwined by burning physical and spiritual desires, then they marry in secret, for fear of scandal.
THE ATTACK
But when Héloïse’s possessive uncle and guardian, Canon Fulbert, discovers their love, he forces them to part. Little does he know that Héloïse is pregnant and soon thereafter a son, Astralabe, is born. Meanwhile, Fulbert has been scheming to protect his niece’s dignity, and to ruin Abélard.
The Punishment
Héloïse escapes to a nunnery in Argenteuil for her safety but her uncle believes that Abélard has cast her off and forced her into a life of the Church. So, he sends his kinsmen to carry out a cruel and shameful punishment on Abélard, attacking him in the middle of the night and castrating him. Abélard’s humiliation compels him to give up his teaching at Notre-Dame and the lovers take Holy Orders as monk and nun.
THE SEPARATION
For ten years they are separated, with no contact. Héloïse, advocating the coexistence of passion and piety, goes on to become the most important abbess of her time. Meanwhile Abélard continues his theological research, some of which earns him harsh criticism from his peers and excommunication by the Pope. Abélard and Héloïse manage to re-establish epistolary contact and their emotional relationship, which never died, resumes.
THE LETTERS
This is duly recorded in a series of passionate letters that reflect their theological musings and discoveries as well as their feelings for each other. They continue to write to each other for twenty years, until Abélard’s death in 1142. Fortunately, the letters are kept and found. They remain one of the great romantic and intellectual documents of human civilization.
THE LEGACY
The story of Abélard, Héloïse and their famous letters has been retold and reinterpreted through history in many texts, from the famous Roman de La Rose to the poetry of Lamartine, from Alexander Pope to William Shakespeare, from Mark Twain to Cole Porter. For centuries lovers leave letters for each other at their mausoleum at the Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris. You can also walk by their Paris residence at the Quai aux Fleurs (4me Arr.) on your way to Notre Dame.
