The New Wines of Mount Etna: An Insider’s Guide to the History and Rebirth of a Wine Region

Product Description

Making wine on Europe’s largest active volcano doesn’t come easy. Frequent changes in topography, elevation, and weather influence each vintage and every winemaker has an interpretation of the evolving volcanic landscape. This is part of what makes Etna so exciting. The wines are as inviting as the terrain. For millennia the mountain served as a backdrop in the development of Europe. Today, the UNESCO Heritage Site is a destination for the world. American wine expert Benjamin Spencer goes beyond the vines to explore the history and rebirth of the region that has everyone talking about Sicily.

Review

This book is a total joy. It is a travel guide (do not even think about heading to Sicily without a copy in your hand luggage); it is a get-to-know-you; it is a reference book; it is a love letter.

– Tamlyn Currin,
JancisRobinson.com

A fine textbook. In straightforward prose, Mr. Spencer traces the long history of making wine within the eruption zone of an active volcano …Excellent armchair traveling.
– Eric Asimov,
New York Times

A fascinating read and an indispensable resource.

– Stephanie Johnson,
Wine & Spirits Magazine

A truly exceptional exploration of the nature of ancient viticulturewhich has existed on the island [of Sicily]. A beautiful portrait of the people keeping the traditions alive through love, passion, and innovation.

– Rochelle Del Borrello, Sicily Inside & Out

From the Author

I never intended to live on a volcano. Where I grew up, in Upstate New York, it was generally accepted that volcanoes are dangerous places. But after ten years working in American kitchens and another decade as a winemaker in California, moving to a volcano on the sea sounded like paradise.
            I’ve spent the last seven years exploring the mountain, working as a consulting winemaker and educator. In that time I’ve come to discover exactly what it’s like to make wine where fire and water meet.
            There aren’t a lot of places in the world like Mount Etna. The volcano towers over the eastern coastline of Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Though it stands 10,600 feet above sea level everything arrives in small measures.
            Frequent changes in topography, elevation, sunlight, wind, and soils influence the color, aromas, and flavors of a wine, but every neighbor also has an idea of how best to interpret the grapes, terrain, and vintage. This is part of what makes these volcanic wines exciting. They often escape the cross hairs of precise definition.
            So,
What is Etna? Only one generation ago, the answers were dubious. Today, those charged with revitalizing Etna’s wine economy are the pioneers of a wild landscape and torchbearers of an ancient tradition. The New Wines of Mount Etna is part of her story.

From the Inside Flap

“The New Wines of Mount Etna is by far the most comprehensive and compelling book written on the Etna wine region. Both wine experts and wine lovers will find an answer to any questions they may have regarding Etna. Ben Spencer is a real insider and it shows. He has done an incredible amount of research and now his immense wealth of knowledge is accessible to everyone. This book is a must read.” – Antonio Benanti,
Owner of Benanti Winery and
President of the Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Dell’Etna

* * * * *

“A book like The New Wines of Mount Etna has simply never existed before in the English language … an excellent primer for anyone interested in learning more about what makes Etna so unique.” – Sarah Bray,
Wine Educator

* * * * *

“I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to delve deeper into their Italian and volcanic wine education.” – Brittany Carlisi,
Italian Wine Specialist

 
* * * * *

“As an outsider ex-pat turned expert insider, [Benjamin Spencer] portrays Etna with passion, sincerity and resolution like no other before him.” – Arto Koskelo,
Author & J