In this intimate and uproarious story, two daring New Yorkers convert an ancient, abandoned farm into a world-renowned winery.

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.

From the hills of Napa to the mountain slopes of Tuscany, author Nick Wise went in search of great wine and famous people who are also winemakers. His astonishing trip, the wines he tasted and the incredible people he met are recounted in loving and often humorous detail in this fully illustrated new book. Nick Wise journeyed to Central and Northern California and interviewed winemakers including film director Francis Ford Coppola and the Walt Disney family. In Canada, he interviewed actor Dan Ackroyd and in the hills of Tuscany, world-renowned composer Ludovico Einaudi. He also visited Spain where he toured Anta Banderas, the winery of actor Antonio Banderas. He includes an opening essay on America's first vintner, Thomas Jefferson, whose Monticello estate is still producing wine from the grapes that the third President of America planted over 200 years ago. The story of Nick's journey through wine country is filled with adventure, new discoveries, amazing people and, most important, brilliant wines (and some not so brilliant). Written for fans of wine, travel and the rich and famous, Celebrity Vineyards is a fascinating journey into a world that, for most of us, is only a dream.

World-renowned wine expert Hugh Johnson's elegant tribute to Tuscany is now available in paperbacka richly rewarding volume in prose and image for those who enjoy the region's exquisite marriage of wine and food, beauty and history. Traveling from town to town, from hilltop to farmland, Johnson not only explores the Tuscan geography and wineries, but also shares the culture and sitesfrom a stunning cathedral in Siena to a good place for a relaxing glass of wine in Monte Amiata. Poetic, illuminating descriptions combine with over 100 atmospheric photos to capture the essence of Tuscany and bring the author's passion for the regions distinctive grape varietals to life. Glass of Brunello in one hand, Tuscany and Its Wines in the otherperfect armchair reading!

When Isabella Jenkins is fired from her job, she escapes to Tuscany for some quiet time away. But her serene Italian getaway turns chaotic as she finds herself on a mission to pull off the wedding of the century and get her life in order. If only the local chef's smile wasn't such a powerful distraction.

This book tells the story of the ancient land named Chianti and the modern wine appellation known as Chianti Classico. In 1716, TuscanyÕs penultimate Medici ruler, Cosimo III, anointed the region of Chianti, along with three smaller areas in the Florentine State, as the worldÕs first legal appellations of origin for wine. In the succeeding centuries, this milestone was all but forgotten. By the late nineteenth century, the name Chianti, rather than signifying this historic region and its celebrated wine, identified a simple Italian red table wine in a straw-covered flask. Ê In the twenty-first century, Chianti Classico emerged as one of ItalyÕs most dynamic and fashionable wine zones. Chianti Classico relates the fascinating evolution of Chianti as a wine region and reveals its geographic and cultural complexity. Bill Nesto, MW, and Frances Di Savino explore the townships of Chianti Classico and introduce readers to the modern-day winegrowers who are helping to transform the region. The secrets of Sangiovese, the principal vine variety of Chianti, are also revealed as the book unlocks the myths and mysteries of one of ItalyÕs most storied wine regions. The publication of Chianti Classico coincides with the three hundredth anniversary of the Medici decree delimiting the region of Chianti on September 24, 1716.

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.