Land and Wine: The French Terroir

The French winemaking regions are the global gold standard, prized by collectors, and each offer unique tasting experiences. In Land and Wine, Charles Frankel takes readers on a tour of the French winemaking regions to illustrate how the soil, underlying bedrock, relief, and microclimate shape the personality of a wine. The book's twelve chapters each focus on a different region, including the Loire Valley, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, the Rhône valley, and Bordeaux, to explore the full meaning of terroir. Frankel describes how Cabernet Franc takes on a different character depending on whether it is grown on gravel or limestone, how Sauvignon yields three different products in the hills of Sancerre, how Pinot Noir will give radically different wines on a single hill in Burgundy, and how the soil of each château in Bordeaux has a say in the blend ratios of Merlot and Cabernet-Sauvignon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

For centuries, France has held the prestigious title of the world's leading wine-producing nation. Its wines are revered and sought after by collectors worldwide, and each winemaking region in the country offers a distinct and captivating tasting experience. While grape variety, climate, and the expertise of the winemaker play pivotal roles in creating exceptional wines, the soil in which the grapes are grown holds the key to unlocking a wine's true personality. To delve deeper into the intricate relationship between the French land and the wine, we turn to the expertise of geologist Charles Frankel.

In his book, "Land and Wine," Frankel takes readers on a captivating journey through the French winemaking regions, showcasing how the soil, underlying bedrock, relief, and microclimate shape the unique character of each wine. The book is organized into twelve chapters, each dedicated to exploring a different region, including the Loire Valley, Alsace, Burgundy, Champagne, Provence, the Rhône Valley, and Bordeaux. Through in-depth analysis, Frankel delves into the intricate details of terroir, revealing how Cabernet Franc takes on a distinct flavor profile when grown on gravel versus limestone, how Sauvignon yields three distinct products depending on the soil type in Sancerre, how Pinot Noir produces radically different wines on a single hill in Burgundy as the vines ascend, and how the soil at each château in Bordeaux influences the blend ratios of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

"Land and Wine" offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to the diverse world of French wine. It provides readers with a deep understanding of the variety of wines produced in each region, as well as a glimpse into the geological factors that contribute to their distinctiveness. Frankel's expertise and passion for the subject shine through in his writing, making it an invaluable resource for wine enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone with an interest in the intricate relationship between land and wine.

In conclusion, "Land and Wine" is a must-read for anyone who desires a deeper appreciation of French wine. Through Charles Frankel's expert guidance and insightful analysis, readers gain a profound understanding of the role that soil plays in shaping the personality of wine. This book is a testament to the enduring legacy of French winemaking and the incredible craftsmanship that goes into creating world-class wines. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of fine wines, "Land and Wine" will captivate your senses and inspire your curiosity.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226816722