Wine Grapes

Wine Grapes is a comprehensive reference book documenting 1,368 wine grape varieties from around the world. Written by Masters of Wine Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding, along with grape geneticist Dr. José Vouillamoz, the text combines traditional wine scholarship with modern DNA analysis. The 1,279-page volume contains detailed profiles of each grape variety, including their origins, genetic relationships, and flavor characteristics. It catalogs 377 Italian, 204 French, and 77 Portuguese varieties, among others from across the global wine landscape. This work stands as its own original creation rather than an update to Robinson's 1986 book Vines, Grapes & Wines. The significant expansion in scope and integration of contemporary ampelographic research establishes it as a distinct reference text. The book represents a bridge between classical wine knowledge and modern scientific understanding, offering insights into the complex relationships between grape varieties and their development through human cultivation.

Readers consistently rate Wine Grapes as the most comprehensive reference on grape varieties. They highlight its value for wine professionals, collectors, and serious enthusiasts. Likes: - Exhaustive DNA-based research that clarifies grape relationships - High-quality color plates and illustrations - Clear explanations of each variety's history - Scientific accuracy and academic rigor - Physical quality of printing and binding Dislikes: - Price ($175-200) puts it out of reach for casual readers - 7-pound weight makes it impractical for regular reference - Technical language can be challenging for beginners - Some readers note the font size is small Ratings: Amazon: 4.8/5 (187 reviews) Goodreads: 4.7/5 (89 ratings) Notable reader comments: "The definitive resource that settled many debates about grape origins" - Wine collector on Amazon "Like an encyclopedia of wine DNA" - Sommelier review "Beautiful book but too heavy to read in bed" - Goodreads reviewer "Worth every penny for serious wine students" - Wine educator review

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🍇 The DNA analysis revealed that nearly all of Western Europe's greatest wine grapes are related to one ancient grape variety, Gouais Blanc. 🍷 Jancis Robinson became the first person outside the wine trade to pass the Master of Wine examination in 1984. 🌿 The book's research discovered that the popular Syrah grape originated from two obscure varieties from southeastern France: Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. 📚 The tome weighs 7 pounds and took the authors four years to complete, involving collaboration with over 80 researchers worldwide. 🎨 The book's 1,200 pages include 80 full-color plates featuring the detailed botanical illustrations of Viala & Vermorel's century-old "Ampélographie" collection.