Italian Wine

Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs is the definitive reference book on the myriad crus and the grand cru wine production areas of Italy’s native wine grapes. Ian D’Agata’s approach to discussing wine, both scientific and discursive, provides an easy-to-read, enjoyable guide to Italy’s best terroirs. Descriptions are enriched with geologic data, biotype and clonal information, producer anecdotes and interviews, and facts and figures compiled over fifteen years of research devoted to wine terroirs. In-depth analysis is provided for the terroirs that produce both the well-known wines (Barolo, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino) and those not as well-known (Grignolino d’Asti, Friuli Colli Orientali Picolit, Ischia). Everyday wine lovers, beginners, and professionals alike will find this new book to be the perfect complement to D’Agata’s previous award-winning Native Wine Grapes of Italy.

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 worldÕs commercial wine grape types. Ian DÕAgata spent thirteen years interviewing producers, walking vineyards, studying available research, and tasting wines to create this authoritative guide to ItalyÕs native grapes and their wines. Writing with great enthusiasm and deep knowledge, DÕAgata discusses more than five hundred different native Italian grape varieties, from Aglianico to Zibibbo. DÕAgata 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 varietyÕs 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.

Publisher description -- By focusing on the tastes of wines and relating the wines by taste and grape variety--rather than geographic origin--Victor Hazan cuts through the confusing array of unfamiliar labels and gives you the kind of immediate information you want. What is the character of a familiar wine? How does it relate to a wine or a taste I may already be familiar with? What should I know about the particular wine I am thinking of buying?

The modern history of Italian wine, which began between the 1960s and early 1970s, narrated by its main protagonists. Divided into three sections, the volume takes the reader on a journey into the multifaceted world of Italian wine. Starting from its origins in the 1960s and following its evolution, the journey takes in the viticulture landscape, the many international markets, the winemaking revolution, the different societies and movements, the wineries (inner sanctums where the wine ritual is celebrated), and even Italian cuisine and its global success. The book also introduces the vintners, who decade after decade have written this history from the 1970s until the present, and to each of whom is devoted a comprehensive entry.

Following on the success of her books on Brunello di Montalcino, renowned author and wine critic Kerin OÕKeefe takes readers on a historic and in-depth journey to discover Barolo and Barbaresco, two of ItalyÕs most fascinating and storied wines. In this groundbreaking new book, OÕKeefe gives a comprehensive overview of the stunning side-by-side growing areas of these two world-class wines that are separated only by the city of Alba and profiles a number of the fiercely individualistic winemakers who create structured yet elegant and complex wines of remarkable depth from ItalyÕs most noble grape, Nebbiolo. A masterful narrator of the aristocratic origins of winemaking in this region, OÕKeefe gives readers a clear picture of why Barolo is called both the King of Wines and the Wine of Kings. Profiles of key Barolo and Barbaresco villages include fascinating stories of the families, wine producers, and idiosyncratic personalities that have shaped the area and its wines and helped ignite the Quality Wine Revolution that eventually swept through all of Italy. The book also considers practical factors impacting winemaking in this region, including climate change, destructive use of harsh chemicals in the vineyards versus the gentler treatments used for centuries, the various schools of thought regarding vinification and aging, and expansion and zoning of vineyard areas. Readers will also appreciate a helpful vintage guide to Barolo and Barbaresco and a glossary of useful Italian wine terms.

"A must-have book for anyone who is serious about Italian wines." —Lidia Bastianich, host of PBS?s Lidia's Italian Table "I have yet to encounter more knowledgeable guides to...Italian wine." —Piero Antinori, President, Antinori Wines "Bravo to Ed and Mary! This book shows their love for Italy, the Italian producers, and the great marriage of local foods with local wines. Here is a great book that presents the information without intimidation." —Piero Selvaggio, VALENTINO Restaurant Right now, Italy is the most exciting wine country on earth. The quality of Italian wines has never been higher and the range of wines has never been broader. Even better, the types of Italian wines available outside of Italy have never been greater. But with all these new Italian wines and wine zones not to mention all the obscure grape varieties, complicate blends, strange names and restrictive wine laws. Italian wines are also about he most challenging of all to master. The time has come for comprehensive, up-to-date guides to Italian wines. Authored by certified wine educators and authors Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, Italian Wine For Dummies introduces you to the delectable world of fine Italian wine. It shows you how to: Translate wine labels Identify great wine bargains Develop your own wine tastes Match Italian wines with foods Here's everything you need to know to enjoy the best Tuscans, Sicilians, Abruzzese and other delicious Italian wines. This lighthearted and informative guide explores: The styles of wine made in Italy and the major grape varieties used to make them How the Italian name their wines, the complicated laws governing how names are given and the meanings of common label terminology Italy's important wine regions including a region-by-region survey of the best vineyards and their products A guide to pronouncing Italian wine terms and names and how to order Italian wines in restaurants For Italians, wine (vino) is food (alimentari) and food is love (amore). And you can never have enough love in your life. So, order a copy of Italian Wine For Dummies, today and get ready to share the love!