Overview
Mountainous terrain, volcanic soils, innumerable microclimates, and an ancient culture of winemaking influenced by Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans make Italy the most diverse country in the world of wine. This diversity is reflected in the fact that Italy grows the largest number of native wine grapes known, amounting to more than a quarter of the world's commercial wine grape types. Ian D'Agata spent thirteen years interviewing producers, walking vineyards, studying available research, and tasting wines to create this authoritative guide to Italy's native grapes and their wines. Writing with great enthusiasm and deep knowledge, D'Agata discusses more than five hundred different native Italian grape varieties, from Aglianico to Zibibbo. D'Agata provides details about how wine grapes are identified and classified, what clones are available, which soils are ideal, and what genetic evidence tells us about a variety's parentage. He gives historical and anecdotal accounts of each grape variety and describes the characteristics of wines made from the grape. A regional list of varieties and a list of the best producers provide additional guidance. Comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and engaging, this book is the perfect companion for anyone who wants to know more about the vast enological treasures cultivated in Italy.
Full Product Details
Author: Ian D'Agata
Publisher: University of California Press
Imprint: University of California Press
Dimensions:
Width: 17.80cm
, Height: 4.80cm
, Length: 25.40cm
Weight: 1.270kg
ISBN: 9780520272262
ISBN 10: 0520272269
Pages: 640
Publication Date: 16 May 2014
Audience:
General/trade
,
General
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
Hours of pleasure for those who are tired of drinking only chardonnay and merlot. Miami Herald 20140514
Hours of pleasure for those who are tired of drinking only chardonnay and merlot. Miami Herald 20140514 Wine writers will tell you that they reach for two kinds of books: those for serious research and those for curling up in a favorite chair. When a book inhabits both categories, it is a rare and delightful tome indeed. The Boston Globe 20140515 Detailed, interesting and original and I recommend to anyone interested in Italian wines or the topic of native wine grapes generally. It is a seriously fascinating read. The Wine Economist 20140528 Intended for fans of Italian wine who want to learn more about all the native grape varieties, region by region... An excellent reference tool for those interested in viticulture who would like to go beyond the science of tasting. Vins & Vignobles 20140523 'Definitive' is the term that comes to mind for this book. It is rare to find a book that seems to cover its subject so thoroughly that it banishes the thought of needing any further resource on the matter, but Native Wine Grapes of Italy by Ian D'Agata is such a book. Italian Wine Central 20140601
Author Information
Ian D'Agata is a Rome-based wine writer and educator who writes regularly for Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar newsletter and for Decanter magazine. He is the Scientific Advisor of Vinitaly International and is now also Scientific Director of the Vinitaly International Academy, and is the author of The Ecco Guide to the Best Wines of Italy.
