On Tuscany - (On...) by Susan Keevil (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Chianti is loved globally and this is the story of the region which produces it along with a number of other important wines, including the Super Tuscans. A portrait penned by the leading writers of this classic region.

"The publishers have hit upon a winning formula, with Susan Keevil compiling an informative, eclectic, but always enjoyable, collection of beautifully written pieces from some 30 contributors." -- The Sun

"The accumulated effect is thoughtful and intriguing, inspiring readers to open up a Chianti Classico or Brunello and take a trip to Tuscany via wine glasses." -- NY Times

"...this enjoyable book compiles articles about the evolution of Tuscan vineyards, with entertaining portraits of innovative winemakers and insightful commentary about the region and the wines by a who's-who of regional experts, including Burton Anderson, Gerald Asher, Andrew Jefford, Hugh Johnson and Ruth Rogers. " -- Toronto Globe

From the melée and muddle of Italy's vinous past, Tuscany emerged triumphant. The world's restaurants began to clamor for its Chianti and the Super Tuscan rebel-wines that captured the hearts, palates and pockets of any wine lover who sipped them. It found fame and fortune but had it gone too far...? On Tuscany's authors unravel the truths of this enchanted vineyard - its tortured landscape of clashing mountains and upended seas, its mysterious Etruscan forebears, the Medici aristocrats and warring tribes who fought to control it. And the stoic peasants, whose thwarted creativity and intuitive ways with wine won through in the end. It tells the story of its king of grapes, Sangiovese, and the courtiers that grapple for its throne, and of the maverick winemakers who harness this region's passion for wine today, steadying the roller coaster before it once again goes too far and too fast...

With contributions from Andrew Jefford, Hugh Johnson, Nicolas Belfrage MW, Jancis Robinson MW, David Gleave MW, Walter Speller, Gabriele Gorelli MW, Burton Anderson, Ruth Rogers, Neil Beckett, Victoria Moore, Gerald Asher, D H Lawrence, Fiona Morrison MW.

Review Quotes

"This beautiful, kaleidoscopic collection of essays on the much-loved (and at times misunderstood) Italian region, is the fifth of the Académie du Vin's region-themed anthologies."--Decanter

"Following in the wake of On Bordeaux, On Burgundy and On California, this enjoyable book compiles articles about the evolution of Tuscan vineyards, with entertaining portraits of innovative winemakers and insightful commentary about the region and the wines by a who's-who of regional experts, including Burton Anderson, Gerald Asher, Andrew Jefford, Hugh Johnson and Ruth Rogers. "--Toronto Globe

"On Tuscany is a love note to the area told through an anthology of essays compiled by Susan Keevil. Contributors include Emily O'Hare on white grapes; me on Tuscan wine with food; and Elizabeth Berger who writes on olive oil."--Telegraph

"Somewhat more accessible is On Tuscany (Académie du Vin, £35), a compendium of articles about the wines of Montalcino and Chianti etc. It's not just a wine book: it also delves into the culture and history of this most rich of Italian regions and includes essays by D.H. Lawrence and Curzio Malaparte. "--Spectator

"The accumulated effect is thoughtful and intriguing, inspiring readers to open up a Chianti Classico or Brunello and take a trip to Tuscany via wine glasses."--NY Times

"The fourth of the Académie du Vin's region-based anthologies is a delightful book that has tapped up experts living and dead for smart and sometimes whimsical contributions."--Club Enologique

"The publishers have hit upon a winning formula, with Susan Keevil compiling an informative, eclectic, but always enjoyable, collection of beautifully written pieces from some 30 contributors."--The Sun

About the Author

Susan Keevil started her life in wine as a 'cellar rat' cooling Chardonnays in Australia's Hunter Valley, none of which prepared her for the world of book publishing back in the UK where she honed her wine knowledge working with Hugh Johnson on six editions of his international best-seller, the Pocket Wine Book. Susan then landed her dream job as editor of Decanter magazine (the path to many worldwide wine adventures) and later became author of the Which? Guide to Wine as well as a regular magazine columnist and contributor. The launch of the Académie du Vin Library in 2019 saw a return to specialist wine books for which Susan is a writer and editor-in-chief.