If you like Wine (I do) and History (I do as well), then you will likely love this book. It is a look, in short story format, at the history of the Italian Peninsula's culture, wine and people. The author, more or less in chronological order, takes a period of history and in the course of a half-dozen pages or so, has a discussion of what happened, and how wines were relevant during that period. Then, at the end of the chapter, he suggests two or three (and occasionally more) wines that would be relevant to the discussion that are available today. He then talks about the suggested wines and winery, its history, why it was included and finally, concludes with a short tasting note on the wine. There are 25 Chapters.
For example, the first chapter picks up with the Greeks arrival on the peninsula, and Homer’s Odyssey including Cyclops maintaining vineyards on Sicily (Mt. Etna). After discussing that period of time, the author reviews a handful of wines that have existed for centuries or at least were of the type that might have been consumed during that period. And then, on to the next period.
The book is well written and proofread (something not always done well these days). It is easy to read just a section at a time or also to sit down and read for an hour. I learned quite a bit reading this book including Italy's history from the ancient Greeks to the middle ages to the two World Wars and finally, to issues of today including Woman’s Rights and Environmental issues. And, I learned quite a bit about various wines.
In fact, as I got into this book, I was motivated to start shopping for some of the wines mentioned. Some are relatively easy to find, some may take some work and a few that I am unlikely to find in the marketplace (but I will keep looking).
This book is highly recommended for the wine lover, the Italy lover and the history lover. It would make a great gift. It is available on Amazon or many fine book stores or here: https://mhpbooks.com/books/italy-in-a-wineglass
