Author: by Ian D’Agata
Publisher: University of California Press, 2014
Price: $50
Italy’s population of native grapes continues to explode, with “new” ones popping up out of anonymity all the time. In Native Wine Grapes of Italy, Ian D’Agata profiles hundreds of Italian varieties, from famous to obscure, and tells their often fascinating stories in amiably engaging prose. After describing the grape and where it grows, along with its local folklore, history and relation to other varieties, he includes recommended wines and producers. He also provides a wealth of valuable information on viticulture and grape science—information that helps to explain why favorita and vermentino are in fact the same variety while vernaccia di San Gimignano and vernaccia nera are not related. Whether as buying guide, scientific reference or armchair travelogue, Native Wine Grapes will be a welcome addition to the library of anyone looking to deepen and expand their vinous horizons.
This story appears in the print issue of December 2014.
Like what you read? Subscribe today.