Duchess on the Run

Sisters Mancini

I love discovering a new wine, that first sip that grabs your attention and makes you close your eyes as you swallow, imprinting that flavor profile. But honestly, my favorite tipple is Champagne; it captures a moment. I have to say it's usually a good one, with a party in the mouth with bubbles teasing the palate. So, the story I'll tell in the tale is about someone who shares my love of Champagne, who influenced and shared the bubbles with a large audience.

Hortense Mancini was born to a noble Roman family. Her father, Baron Lorenzo Mancini, was an aristocrat from a long lineage, and her mother was Girolama Mazarini; they shared eight children, five daughters and three sons. Unfortunately, the Baron died at only 54. The new widow took her children to Paris as her brother was Cardinal Jules Mazarin, who was Chief Minister to King Louis XIV, making him one of the most powerful men in the country. Their uncle provided them with an even more aristocratic lifestyle. The Mancini sisters became important at the French court as elite and advantageous marriage 'partnerships'.

Young Hortense was almost married off to Charles II prior to his "restoration" (he was still in exile). When he became King of England, he was offered a nice dowry, but Catherine of Braganza beat her out and became Consort the next year. Catherine's dowry brought more than money; it was the support of Portugal and overseas ports around the world, including India.

At 14, Mancini married Armand Charles de La Porte de La Meilleraye, perhaps the richest man in all of France. He was then granted the title of Duc de Mazarin. Sadly, the start of a promising marriage turned into a nightmare, and his behavior turned from odd to abusive.

After seven years and three children in his household, plus he had taken possession of her fortune, the Duchess had enough and escaped to Rome with the help of her brother. Fleeing to seek refuge with her sister Marie. Leaving her children behind caused a stir and talk in the court. Marie was always the favorite of King Louis XIV, but she too was married as a political gesture as the second wife of Prince and Duke Paliano, becoming the Princess Colonna.

Shockingly, Marie's story was a surprising parallel to her sister's. After producing three sons for the prince, her marriage soured and became abusive. When she feared for her life, she and her sister Hortense fled Rome and returned to France. Seeking protection from Louis XIV, he granted both pensions to live. Eventually, Hortense's husband went to the courts and had her assets frozen.

In 1675, Mancini, by then considered something of a European celebrity for her tell-all book and “runaway duchess” reputation, was offered asylum by Charles II. She arrived in 1676 and almost immediately became his favorite mistress.

King Charles II provided her with a generous pension and a lovely house on St. James Park, where she hosted the Mazarin Salon, fostering discussions on philosophy, pleasure, and politics. Hortense’s life, marked by defiance of patriarchal control, romantic liaisons, and salon culture, has been portrayed in both scandal and admiration. Her salons continued to be known for hosting the elite and female thinkers. Even Charles II and his brother King James II were known to attend. More importantly, she served Champagne, popularizing her favorite French wine.

It was at her salon that Champagne was introduced to English society. Suddenly, you have this very trendy, fashionable salon overseen by a famous woman—a very early celebrity—and everyone’s got a glass of Champagne in their hands. Thus, Champagne becomes interwoven with aristocratic socializing.

The Duchess' parties linked Champagne to celebrations, creating its enduringly festive feel. Because her gatherings were attended by politicians, intellectuals, and other powerful people, where people were clinking their glasses and enjoying themselves. Today, her influence on Champagne endures. Champagne remains indelibly associated with luxury, glamour, and celebration. It’s served at weddings, awards shows, high-end sports celebrations, and is referenced in music to signify success.

Hortense also cultivated other pleasures and many liaisons, like an affair with the Prince de Monaco, which infuriated Charles II. But her charms smoothed things over, and even after his death, his brother James II continued to look after her, allowing for more Champagne orders to flow.

Her story reflects the tensions of early modern Europe between noble ambition, personal freedom, and the constraints of royal and aristocratic life. But she helped create spaces where women and men could talk freely, all while shaping arguably one of the most famous bubbly wines enjoyed around the world today.

And I think that’s worth raising a glass of Champagne to right now.