The wines of Tuscany were famous long before Leonardo da Vinci described them as “bottled sunshine,” and they are at the forefront of the remarkable renaissance of Italian wine over the past 30 years. In this groundbreaking new book, Nicolas Belfrage shares his insider’s knowledge acquired as a specialist wine trader and writer. Mindful of the region’s fascinating past, Belfrage brings its story up to date, discussing such subjects as geology and geography, grape varieties, and the latest research into Sangiovese, the variety used in the top wines of Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. He also clarifies the regulatory framework and follows the recent controversial developments in viticulture and winemaking, including the rise of the Super-Tuscans and the ongoing “Brunellogate” scandal that broke in 2008. At the heart of the book are in-depth, illustrated profiles of more than 90 of the most interesting producers, large and small, with insightful notes on the essential character of their finest wines. The author also offers a comprehensive review of vintages and selects his top 100 wines in ten different categories, while wines of special quality or value are indicated throughout.
The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy A Regional and Village Guide to the Best Wines and Their Producers
About the Book
Reviews
“Straightforward yet refreshingly opinionated.”—New York Times
“Any serious Italophile needs this book.” A Best Book of 2009—Wine & Spirits Magazine
“An excellent introduction to Tuscany’s viticultural renaissance. “—Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Table of Contents
Foreword by Hugh Johnson
Preface
Introduction
1 History, Culture, and the Market: Renaissances in the Land of Vines
2 Geography, Geology, and Climate: Terroir in the Sangiovese Belt
3 Grape Varieties: By the Blood of Jove
4 Viticulture: Tradition and Innovation
5 Winemaking: Blends, Trends, and Techniques
6 Regulations and Statistics: From DOC to Super-Tuscan
The Finest Producers and Their Wines
7 Chianti Classico
8 East and West of Florence
9 Tuscan Coast
10 Montalcino
11 Montepulciano
12 San Gimignano
13 Umbria
14 Romagna
15 Marche
Appreciating the Wines
16 Vintages Young and Old: Year by Year 2008–1990
17 Wine and Food: New Horizons
18 Top-Ten Tables: The Finest 100
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
Author’s Acknowledgments
Photographic Credits
Awards
- Shortlisted for the International Wine Book of the Year, Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards 2010
- Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
- Drink Books of the Year, Wine & Spirits Magazine