Native Wine Grapes of Italy

Front Cover
Univ of California Press, May 16, 2014 - Cooking - 640 pages
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.
 

Contents

What Where When Why and
13
The Origin of Viticulture and a Brief History of Italys Grape Varieties
25
Italys Native and Traditional Grape Varieties and Wines
47
4
65
Major Native and Traditional Grape Varieties
158
LittleKnown Native and Traditional Grape Varieties
480
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About the author (2014)

Ian DÕAgata is a Rome-based wine writer and educator who writes regularly for Stephen TanzerÕs 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 InternationalÊ Academy, and is the author of The Ecco Guide to the Best Wines of Italy.

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