Ancient Wine
The history of civilization is, in many ways, the history of wine. This book is the first comprehensive and up-to-date account of the earliest stages of vinicultural history and prehistory, which extends back into the Neolithic period and beyond. Elegantly written and richly illustrated, Ancient Wine opens up whole new chapters in the fascinating story of wine and the vine by drawing upon recent archaeological discoveries, molecular and DNA sleuthing, and the texts and art of long-forgotten peoples.
Patrick McGovern takes us on a personal odyssey back to the beginnings of this consequential beverage when early hominids probably enjoyed a wild grape wine. We follow the course of human ingenuity in domesticating the Eurasian vine and learning how to make and preserve wine some 7,000 years ago. Early winemakers must have marveled at the seemingly miraculous process of fermentation. From success to success, viniculture stretched out its tentacles and entwined itself with one culture after another (whether Egyptian, Iranian, Israelite, or Greek) and laid the foundation for civilization itself. As medicine, social lubricant, mind-altering substance, and highly valued commodity, wine became the focus of religious cults, pharmacopoeias, cuisines, economies, and society. As an evocative symbol of blood, it was used in temple ceremonies and occupies the heart of the Eucharist. Kings celebrated their victories with wine and made certain that they had plenty for the afterlife. (Among the colorful examples in the book is McGovern's famous chemical reconstruction of the funerary feast--and mixed beverage--of "King Midas.") Some peoples truly became "wine cultures.?
When we sip a glass of wine today, we recapitulate this dynamic history in which a single grape species was harnessed to yield an almost infinite range of tastes and bouquets. Ancient Wine is a book that wine lovers and archaeological sleuths alike will raise their glasses to.
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Le “Goût du vin”
"Mieux connaître pour mieux apprécier", telle est la clé de voûte du Goût du vin. Cet ouvrage a été écrit en pensant à tous ceux qui s'intéressent au vin de qualité et qui s'interrogent sur les mystères de son goût et sur la signification de l'acte de boire. Ce livre bénéficie de tout le poids des connaissances oenologiques mais aussi de l'apport de l'expérience des hommes du vin. La première édition, en 1980, fut un événement. Trente années plus tard, cette nouvelle édition, dans le respect de l'esprit initial de l'ouvrage, prend en compte ce que l'on sait aujourd'hui des mécanismes de perception des goûts et des odeurs, englobant les types de consommation actuels et les types de vins disponibles, en France et dans le monde. Véritable ouvrage de référence, ce livre aide chacun à mieux comprendre les vins d'aujourd'hui, à mieux connaître pour mieux savourer, pour son plus grand plaisir.
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The science of wine. From vine to glass
A thoroughly revised and updated Second Edition of this essential and groundbreaking reference gives a comprehensive overview of one of the most fascinating, important, and controversial trends in the world of wine: the scientific and technological innovations that are now influencing how grapes are grown and how wine is made. Jamie Goode, a widely respected authority on wine science, details the key scientific developments relating to viticulture and enology, explains the practical application of science to techniques that are used around the world, and explores how these issues are affecting the quality, flavor, and perception of wine. The only complete and accessibly written resource available on the subject, The Science of Wine: From Vine to Glass engagingly discusses a wide range of topics including terroir, biodynamics, the production of “natural” or manipulation-free wines, the potential effect of climate change on grape growing, the health benefits of wine, and much more. A must-have reference for a wide audience of students, winemakers, wine professionals, and general readers interested in the science of wine.
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FLAWLESS. Understanding faults in wine
Flawless is the first book of its kind dedicated to exploring the main causes of faults in wine.
From cork taint, to volatile acidity, to off-putting aromas and flavors, all wine connoisseurs have encountered unappealing qualities in a disappointing bottle. But are all faults truly bad? Are some even desirable?
Jamie Goode brings his authoritative voice to the table once again to demystify the science behind what causes a good bottle to go bad. By exposing the root causes of faults in wine, Flawless challenges us to rethink our assumptions about how wine should taste and how we can understand beauty in a glass.