Sure it’s a little detailed for the average punter, but with the emerging awareness of Italian varieties in Australia and the extraordinary tendency of readers of this publication to insert vines in vacant ground, I’d draw to your attention a very comprehensive small book simply entitled Italian Winegrape Varieties in Australia. It pays close attention to the requirements of six major and minor Italian grapes and compares Australian growing conditions with those of Piedmont and Tuscany. It’s a fine collaboration between Garry Crittenden of Dromana Estate (whose Australian wines from Italian varieties are surely our most convincing yet), Alex McKay, Peter Dry and Jim Hardie. It can be ordered through Dromana Estate on 03 5987 3800 for $25 plus postage and handling.
