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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.

Viticulture --- Wine and wine making --- History. --- Grape culture --- Viniculture --- Enology --- Oenology --- Vinification --- Wines --- Fruit-culture --- Grapes --- Terroir --- Alcoholic beverages --- Grape products --- Fruit wines --- History --- Middle East --- Wijnbouw

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The Zinfandel grape-currently producing big, rich, luscious styles of red wine-has a large, loyal, even fanatical following in California and around the world. The grape, grown predominantly in California, has acquired an almost mythic status-in part because of the caliber of its wines and its remarkable versatility, and in part because of the mystery surrounding its origins. Charles Sullivan, a leading expert on the history of California wine, has at last written the definitive history of Zinfandel. Here he brings together his deep knowledge of wine with the results of his extensive research on the grape in the United States and Europe in a book that will entertain and enlighten wine aficionados and casual enthusiasts. In this lively book, Sullivan dispels the false legend that has obscured Zinfandel's history for almost a century, reveals the latest scientific findings about the grape's European roots, shares his thoughts on the quality of the wines now being produced, and looks to the future of this remarkable grape. Sullivan reconstructs Zinfandel's journey through history-taking us from Austria to the East Coast of the U.S. in the 1820's, to Gold Rush California, and through the early days of the state's wine industry. He considers the ups and downs of the grape's popularity, including its most recent and, according to Sullivan, most brilliant "up." He also unravels the two great mysteries surrounding Zinfandel: the myth of Agoston Haraszthy's role in importing Zinfandel, and the heated controversy over the relationship between California Zinfandel and Italian Primitivo. Sullivan ends with his assessments of the 2001 and 2002 vintages, firmly setting the history of Zinfandel into the chronicles of grape history.

Grapes --- Viticulture --- Wine and wine making --- Enology --- Oenology --- Vinification --- Wines --- Alcoholic beverages --- Grape products --- Fruit wines --- Grape culture --- Viniculture --- Fruit-culture --- Terroir --- Grape --- Grape vines --- Grapevines --- Vitis --- Wine grapes --- Vitaceae --- Enocyanin --- History. --- alcohol. --- alcoholic beverages. --- american wine. --- california vineyards. --- california wine. --- california winemaking. --- cultural history. --- european history. --- european wine. --- food and drink. --- food and wine. --- red wine. --- regional. --- scientific. --- united states wine. --- united states. --- white wine. --- wine grapes. --- wine makers. --- wine styles. --- wine types. --- wine vintages. --- zinfandel grape. --- zinfandel wine. --- zinfandel.