On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Wine Tales From the Heart of Italy (English edition) by Susan Keevil

On Tuscany: From Brunello to Bolgheri, Wine Tales From the Heart of Italy is a must-read for any wine lover and history enthusiast. This book, compiled by Susan Keevil with a preface by David Gleave MW, offers a fascinating exploration of the past thirty years that have seen Tuscany transform into a beating heart of Italian wine.

The book takes us through the terroirs of Chianti Classico, where 11 new terroir zones, called UGA, are set to compete with the climats of Burgundy for vineyard transparency. It also recounts the rise of Sangiovese, challenging the dominance of the powerful Super Tuscans, those mythical wines whose history is told throughout the pages.

Readers will discover the vineyard landscapes of Bolgheri and the coastal Maremma, as well as the hidden roads of Chianti and the terraces of Giglio. The work is enriched by the voices of renowned authors, pioneering specialists, and the new Masters of Wine of Italy, all captivated by the wild winds that sweep this land and breathe life into the vineyards, bringing a deep character to its wines.

Among the topics covered:

• The 11 new terroir zones of Chianti Classico, the 'UGA', and their impact on local viticulture.
• The importance of Cabernet Sauvignon in transforming Tuscany.
• Tuscany's colorful indigenous grape varieties: Canaiolo, Ciliegiolo, Ansonica, and Mammolo.
• The fierce struggle to reach the top: the epic rise of Montalcino to fortune and fame.
• The great families of Tuscany who contributed to its success: Antinori, Frescobaldi, Biondi Santi, Incisa della Rochetta.
• An alphabet of remarkable Tuscans: the artists, authors, philosophers, and scientists who have marked this region.
• An exploration by D H Lawrence of the invigorating world of Tuscany's Etruscan ancestors.
• Tuscany's sweet signature: a study by David Gleave on the diversity of Vin Santo, where each producer has their own recipe.
• Olive oil: how Tuscan wines and olives evolve hand in hand throughout the year.

In addition to these captivating stories, the book is enriched by contributions from Jane Anson, Andrew Jefford, Hugh Johnson, Victoria Moore, Jancis Robinson MW, Nicolas Belfrage MW, Ruth Rogers, and many others, making this work a rich and diverse celebration of Tuscany's wine heritage.

Susan Keevil, the author, began her wine career as a "cellar rat" in Australia before moving into book publishing in the UK, where she worked with Hugh Johnson on several editions of his international bestseller, the Pocket Wine Book. She then served as editor-in-chief of Decanter magazine and wrote several specialized wine books. In 2019, she revived her career in wine book publishing with the launch of the Académie du Vin Library, for which she is the editorial director.

Product Information

• Format: Hardcover
• EAN13: 9781913141981
• ISBN: 978-1-913141-98-1
• Publication Date: 14-10-2024
• Pages: 272
• Language: English