Vineyards, Rocks, and Soils: The Wine Lover's Guide to Geology

by Alex Maltman

Jurassic, basalt, moraine, flint, alluvial, what are these words and what do they have to do with wine? The answers are here in this book. They are geological terms that reflect a bond between wine and the land. Understanding geology, however, is tricky. Geological concepts are obscure; processes can be imperceptibly slow, invisible, and unimaginably ancient. The terminology is formidable, such that even the names of common rocks carry an air of mystery. Geology is introduced plainly, starting with basic principles, all in the context of wine. The emphasis is on the kinds of processes that shape vineyards, and on the minerals, rocks and soils that host the vines. Geological words now commonly seen in wine writings are systematically explained. You will learn the stories behind some of the names, the human face of geology. The book also explores how the geology-wine connection manifests in the finished product and evaluates its importance, particularly in the contexts of minerality, terroir, and wine taste. The fact is that geology is increasingly being promoted in the world of wine; the aim here is to help it be properly understood.

Genres: Wine, Food

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 1, 2018

Reviews

[Terry Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wine lover’s must

In the Middle Ages the monks would taste the soil to determine where to plant their vineyards, and today the wine sommelier will tell you about the taste of the soil. But can you taste the soil? In this tome you will learn of the importance of geology to wine - from Arizona to Australia - but alas, you will come to the conclusion that those who tell you it tastes of the fine soil of Napa are simply mistaken.

[Javier Gzz F · Rating 3 out of 5]

Toda una clase de geologia, desde como se forman las diferentes piedras (metamorficas, igneas, sedimentarias) el efecto de la erosion, los movimientos de placas, la tierra, etc y como conecta con el vino

[Patrick Gilhooly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written technical wine book

Challenges preconceived thinking of the link between bedrock, soil and flavour profiles in wine writing. Technical but very good. Recommended

[Gaby Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good if you want to learn some geology details about wine. Very technical though, and more oriented towards people with some deeper knowledge on the topic.