Bel Vino: A Year of Sundrenched Pleasure Among the Vines of Tuscany (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Following the contours of the wooded crag the pebbly track curves downwards, then climbs steadily into oak woods..." (more)
Key Phrases: Biondi Santi, San Pietro, Dottore Luciano (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this sequel to Vanilla Beans & Brodo, Isabella Dusi takes us back to the medieval Tuscan village of Montalcino as she unravels the secrets of its celebrated wine.

Ten years ago, Isabella and Luigi Dusi left behind their old lives and found a new life in Montalcino, a village that has perched for centuries atop a hill in Tuscany. In Bel Vino, Isabella takes the reader on a winding journey to discover the true aristocratic origins of the world-renowned wine, Brunello di Montalcino, on whose vintage the fortunes of many of the Montalcinesi depend. Taking us through the seasons of the wine harvest, Dusi weaves a path that takes in the white-hooded monks who have lived in the Abbey of Sant’ Antimo since 814; the harvesting of mushrooms, olives, grapes, and truffles; an archery contest where passions run high; and the fight to save a thousand-year-old church with no foundations. A leisurely exploration of a medieval Tuscan village, its people, and its fabled wine.

About the Author

After many years working in Australia in interior design, Isabella Dusi decided to move to Italy with her husband Luigi. They now run a travel business based in Montalcino. This is her first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 510 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK; 1st Published edition (May 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0743478444
• ISBN-13: 978-0743478441
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #304,973 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not about wine, June 10, 2006

By	Zecon - See all my reviews

I was drawn to this book because its title indicated a link to wine and a promise that it would "unravel the secrets of Montalcino's celebrated wine." Of the 500 pages in the book, I found very little was dedicated to wine. I am an Italophile so I was not terribly disappointed with that fact. However, I found Dusi's book to be somewhat incomprehensible, filled to the point of over-distraction. At times, it is mind-numbing. For example, she provides far too many details about the local soccer team and her husband's particular obsession with it. The story line is not always consistent. It is not a terrible book, particularly if you love Italy. But, you will find yourself tempted to skip pages to speed up the story.

If you are interested in Italy and do not mind reading a story that is not always consistent and that is filled with distracting details, you will find some pleasure with the glimpses Dusi provides into the life of the people of Montalcino.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bel Vino is Bellissimo, February 12, 2008

By	Gianna (TEXAS USA) - See all my reviews

Having lived in Southern Italy for 4 years in my teenage years, I find myself living vicariously through Isabella in her books! As the mystery of the Brunello history unfolds, it becomes even more intriguing. So like an amazing tapestry as she discovers how the "founding" families intertwine! Loved every journey, every festa, and even just the day-to-day living in the incredible hilltop village of Montalcino!