Saint-Julien by Bernard Ginestet lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
Holt, Rhinehart & Winston, 1985, Hardback in dust wrapper.
First U. S. Edition [First published: Paris: Librairie Fernand Nathan, 1984]. Illustrated by way of: Black & White Photographs; Facsimiles; Colour Photographs; Black & White Drawings; Colour Drawings; Maps; Tables;
From the cover: If it were necessary to give to the world an example of the noble French vineyard, Saint-Julien could be chosen as an archetype. So writes Bernard Ginestet in this authoritative volume, the first in a distinguished series covering each principal region or appellation of France. The emphasis is on taste or more exactly, the qualities of taste that distinguish each wine, little-known or legendary, and the value for money that is characteristic of each.
Hugh Johnson, the distinguished author and wine critic, describes the early volumes in the series in the Foreword:
The story starts with the physical and historical groundwork, including new geological maps in fascinating detail. The heart of the introduction is the gastronomic question what is the identity of this appellation? How do you recognize its wines? How do its citizens view them, use them, and marry them with local ingredients in local dishes?
The repertoire of chateaux follows, leaving nothing out: a piece of research of inestimable value that goes far beyond any other document I know in its scope, even leaving aside the authors deep involvement with his subject. This is not a book of tasting notes rather the book that enables you to taste with discrimination; to know what it is you are tasting and to draw accurate conclusions. The single consistent conclusion that the author draws is the rapport qualite-prix, or value-for-money, indicated by a row of glasses. The more full glasses, the higher his rating.
In addition to providing the distinctive qualities and heritage of each growth, the book also serves as a tourists guide to the vineyards. Specially commissioned four-color photographs and maps can teach the reader more about each commune than a dozen visits would without such a guide.
The appellation of Saint-Julien is remarkable in that it produces an extraordinarily constant level of quality. There are no small wines at Saint-Julien. Even in indifferent vintage years, the crus are still considered first-class. The average classification of Saint-Julien, par equips, is the highest in the entire Medoc region.
Introduction by: Hugh Johnson
In the Wines of France series.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. Pages very gently age-tanned.
Red boards with Gilt titling to the Spine & Upper Board. 190 pages. 9½” x 6″.
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website…(added to my Wine category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog… Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 