A Kingdom of Wine A Celebration of Ireland's Winegeese charts the drinking traditions, wine making and wine trading history of the Irish from pre-Christian times to the present day. A collection of mainly Irish made wine artifacts and wine labels of Winegeese throughout the world enhance this colorful publication, along with quotations from poets who have celebrated wine throughout the years.
Iron & Wine is a Paranormal Romance set in a world full of hidden magical places and secret societies cloaked by modern day. In the first instalment of the Iron World Series, young artist Avery Quinn reluctantly leaves behind her quiet and comfortable home in the country and moves to the city with her best friend Julie Ryan. With the expectation that college will be the most exciting part of her life, Avery hopes that her little world remains quiet and simple. But after a troublesome blue sprite comes looking for help, her boss turns out to be a three-hundred-year old vampire, and her best friend accidentally reveals herself as an orphaned pixie, school quickly becomes the least of her worries. Every aspect of Avery's life explodes with mythical beings and legendary creatures who all play a very important role in her existence. Some are friends, some are guardians, while others quickly become deadly enemies. Avery must learn to juggle living in both her world and theirs. But in this magical tale of strange love, strong bonds and scary beings; what once was nothing more than mere fairy tales told to her by her Aunt Tess are now a scary reality and Avery has somehow landed deep in the middle with no way out except death or worse...the loss of her humanity.
nearly 500 pages exclusively devoted to the French wine region Chateauneuf-du-Pape * detailed information on over 200 winemakers * an in-depth look at climate, soil, grapes, winemaking, etc. * many full-color photographs * many tables, charts, maps and de
For oenophiles, casual wine-drinkers, and aesthetes alike, an informative and entertaining history sure to delight even the most sensitive palates. From celebrations of Bacchus in ancient Rome to the Last Supper and casual dinner parties, wine has long been a key component of festivities, ceremonies, and celebrations. Made by almost every civilization throughout history, in every part of the world, wine has been used in religious ceremonies, inspired artists and writers, been employed as a healing medicine, and, most often, sipped as a way to relax with a gathering of friends. Yet, like all other forms of alcohol, wine has also had its critics, who condemn it for the drunkenness and bad behavior that arise with its overconsumption. Wine can render you tongue-tied or philosophical; it can heal wounds or damage health; it can bring society together or rend it. In this fascinating cultural history of wine, John Varriano takes us on a tour of wine’s lively story, revealing the polarizing effect wine has had on society and culture through the ages. From its origins in ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to the expanding contemporary industries in Australia, New Zealand, and America, Varriano examines how wine is made and how it has been used in rituals, revelries, and remedies throughout history. In addition, he investigates the history of wine’s transformative effects on body and soul in art, literature, and science from the mosaics of ancient Rome to the poetry of Dickinson and Neruda and the paintings of Caravaggio and Manet. A spirited exploration, this book will delight lovers of sauvignon blanc or pinot noir, as well as those who are interested in the rich history of human creativity and consumption.
Stone age wine -- The Noah hypothesis -- The archaeological and chemical hunt for the earliest wine -- Neolithic wine! -- Wine of the earliest pharaohs -- Wine of Egypt's golden age -- Wine of the world's first cities -- Wine and the great empires of the ancient Near East -- The Holy Land's bounty -- Lands of Dionysos : Greece and western Anatolia -- A beverage for King Midas and at the limits of the civilized world -- Molecular archaeology, wine, and a view to the future.
Wine and history come together with the charting of drinking traditions, wine-making and wine trading history of the Irish from pre-Christian times in the Old and New Worlds.
A delightfully informative guide to two of the world’s most rewarding pleasures—fine wine and great literature—that make for an irresistible pairing. Nothing in the world is more satisfying to the soul than a glass of excellent cabernet sauvignon, pinot grigio, bordeaux, or any number of fine varietals—unless it’s curling up by the fire with a truly exceptional novel, history, or collection of short fiction. Now Patrick Alexander, wine aficionado and author of The Illustrated Proust, combines these unparalleled pleasures in a unique guidebook to delight connoisseurs of both Gatsby and the grape. In The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine, Alexander shares his passion for the culture and history of wine and his love of great authors and their enduring works. Eschewing the traditional pairings of food and drink, he explores instead the most pleasing combinations of reds, whites, and rosés with their most compatible writers—be it Shakespeare with sherry, Jane Austin with chardonnay, or J.R.R. Tolkien with albariño. In addition, he examines the most interesting and thought-provoking wine references in literature while providing an intriguing history of the beloved beverage from biblical times to the latest trends. Chock-full of intriguing facts, expert opinions, and entertaining anecdotes, The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine is a book to be savored by anyone who appreciates the complexity of a full-bodied shiraz or the unmistakable flavor of a great author.
A celebrated wine journalist presents a comprehensive, entertaining primer on one of the most beloved wines of our time: Riesling. Diverse, drinkable, aromatic, and refreshing, Riesling is a chameleon among white wines. From its food-friendly flavor and favorable price point to its ability to be either bone-dry or honey-sweet, there are very good reasons to argue that Riesling is not just a popular wine of the moment, but the finest white of our time. In Best White Wine on Earth, wine journalist and Riesling enthusiast Stuart Pigott extols the virtues of his favorite varietal and explores the history behind this magnificent grape. Traveling to the great Riesling-producing regions of the world—from North America to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and South America—Pigott provides tasting notes, top-rated recommendations, and fascinating insights into how the wine is made, all while making an impassioned case that it is, truly, the best white on earth. Written simply enough for a novice, but with enough expertise and insight to satisfy the most sophisticated collector, this is a must-have guide for any white wine enthusiast.
The remarkable untold story of France’s courageous, clever vinters who protected and rescued the country’s most treasured commodity from German plunder during World War II. "To be a Frenchman means to fight for your country and its wine." –Claude Terrail, owner, Restaurant La Tour d’Argent In 1940, France fell to the Nazis and almost immediately the German army began a campaign of pillaging one of the assets the French hold most dear: their wine. Like others in the French Resistance, winemakers mobilized to oppose their occupiers, but the tale of their extraordinary efforts has remained largely unknown–until now. This is the thrilling and harrowing story of the French wine producers who undertook ingenious, daring measures to save their cherished crops and bottles as the Germans closed in on them. Wine and War illuminates a compelling, little-known chapter of history, and stands as a tribute to extraordinary individuals who waged a battle that, in a very real way, saved the spirit of France.
"Meticulously researched history…look[s] at how wine and Western civilization grew up together." —Dave McIntyre, Washington Post Because science and technology have opened new avenues for vintners, our taste in wine has grown ever more diverse. Wine is now the subject of careful chemistry and global demand. Paul Lukacs recounts the journey of wine through history—how wine acquired its social cachet, how vintners discovered the twin importance of place and grape, and how a basic need evolved into a realm of choice.
