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Vino: The Essential Guide to Real Italian Wine
The Italian wine bible for a new generation—a superstar sommelier and restaurateur explores the dynamic world of contemporary Italian wine.
“Joe gives us the gift of learning about the ever-evolving landscape of the world’s most soulful (and might I say favorite?) wine region.”—Danny Meyer
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE The New York Times
Acclaimed Italian wine expert, sommelier, winemaker, and restaurateur, Joe Campanale presents a comprehensive guide that is as transportive as it is deeply educational. Vino dives into the dynamic landscape of Italian wine today, where a new generation of winemakers is eschewing popular international styles, championing long-forgotten indigenous grapes, and adopting sustainable approaches best suited for their local climates.
In an epic quest through Italy’s 20 regions that takes readers from the steep hills of Valle d’Aosta to the near-tropical climates of Sicily, Campanale uncovers and profiles the diversity of real Italian wine and the most exciting, game-changing producers in each area. Readers will leave with countless recommendations for exceptional winemakers and be armed with Campanale’s empowering new rubric of quality (say goodbye to the Italian wine pyramid). Full of colorful stories, in-depth explorations of the modern craft, and stunning photography, Vino proves there's never been a better time to drink Italian wine.
“Joe gives us the gift of learning about the ever-evolving landscape of the world’s most soulful (and might I say favorite?) wine region.”—Danny Meyer
ONE OF THE BEST COOKBOOKS OF THE The New York Times
Acclaimed Italian wine expert, sommelier, winemaker, and restaurateur, Joe Campanale presents a comprehensive guide that is as transportive as it is deeply educational. Vino dives into the dynamic landscape of Italian wine today, where a new generation of winemakers is eschewing popular international styles, championing long-forgotten indigenous grapes, and adopting sustainable approaches best suited for their local climates.
In an epic quest through Italy’s 20 regions that takes readers from the steep hills of Valle d’Aosta to the near-tropical climates of Sicily, Campanale uncovers and profiles the diversity of real Italian wine and the most exciting, game-changing producers in each area. Readers will leave with countless recommendations for exceptional winemakers and be armed with Campanale’s empowering new rubric of quality (say goodbye to the Italian wine pyramid). Full of colorful stories, in-depth explorations of the modern craft, and stunning photography, Vino proves there's never been a better time to drink Italian wine.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 26, 2022
73 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
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May 12, 2022As he shares in this book, the author Joe Campanale was originally from a working-class family and intended for a practical career in law but found the calling of discerning wines irresistible and ultimately became a master sommelier. This background animates the style of this book-- approachable for laymen yet self-professedly exacting in his standards for judging and choosing Italian wine, using his self-designed criteria of native grape, terroir and expert talent. This book explores the different grades and colors of Italian wine, the different regions of Italian produce and select makers and growers of Italian wine, in a great coffee-table book that will intoxicate with the author's enthusiasm for his craft and his fellow craftsmen, and will delight with its tour of a world of artisanal producers of wine who are all dedicated in using the language of grape to deliver the story of their land and their history.
February 28, 2022
Stunning photos of landscapes, food and of course, wine. I loved reading about the author’s introduction, history and story. As a beginner wine taster and novice learner of all things wine, I appreciated the description of the different growth cycle pyramids and grapes and terroir. I found the history of the evolution of Italian wine really added to the context of the book and I loved the description of the different types of wine from the sparkling to the whites, and reds.
I loved the section on the wine regions of Italy along with the pictures which added an authenticity to the book. Highlights of regional wine makers along with their family stories was a lovely addition within the context of the book. Overall it was a beautiful compilation and look into the a beautiful culture and rich history of wine making in Italy. I’m not gonna lie, after reviewing this book I’m having serious travel envy.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this eARC for my honest opinion. It was an honour to go on this trip with the author!
I loved the section on the wine regions of Italy along with the pictures which added an authenticity to the book. Highlights of regional wine makers along with their family stories was a lovely addition within the context of the book. Overall it was a beautiful compilation and look into the a beautiful culture and rich history of wine making in Italy. I’m not gonna lie, after reviewing this book I’m having serious travel envy.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this eARC for my honest opinion. It was an honour to go on this trip with the author!
April 5, 2023
I love vino!!
very insightful read on numerous winemakers pursuing their passions in Italy. Loved the focus on natural winemaking and hope to be able to drink some of these wines soon!
very insightful read on numerous winemakers pursuing their passions in Italy. Loved the focus on natural winemaking and hope to be able to drink some of these wines soon!
February 13, 2022
With a history that dates back many centuries, it might be reasonable to assume that everything that could—or should—be written about Italian winemaking had already happened. The reality, though, is that consumer tastes, environmental conditions, production methods, and regulatory mandates change so much from year to year that it is virtually impossible to write a single treatment that captures the essence of the topic for all time. So, a book such as Vino: The Essential Guide to Real Italian Wine that provides a fresh look at viniculture across the entire peninsula, along with stories of the men and women devoted producing wine the right way, is a welcome addition to the countless existing works. Co-author Joe Campanale, a celebrated New York-based sommelier and restauranteur, has spent his career developing an expertise in this area and that joy, passion, and knowledge comes through on every page of this impressive volume.
The book is divided into three distinct parts, beginning with a potentially controversial discussion of how the highly regulated DOC appellation system that has been used to classify Italian wines for more than a half century can be a highly misleading guide to the quality of what ends up in the glass. As an alternative, Campanale suggests the use of the Vino Vero Venn (VVV) diagram, which triangulates wine quality on three dimensions: the use of grapes native to a region, the quality of the terroir, and the talents of artisan winemakers. If nothing else, the VVV system reveals the author’s underlying bias that only those bottles produced with native grapes using natural methods can be considered as real wines, or vino vero. I found this to be an interesting way to look at wine production and one that has the benefit of focusing on the quality of the product itself instead of classifications dictated by government regulation. A second section of the book then provides a quick overview of new styles—such as orange wines—that have emerged using VVV-friendly production methods.
The third section, which is by far the longest and most detailed, offers a region-by-region breakdown of what wine is being made right now throughout Italy, a discussion that goes far beyond the Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco we are already familiar with. For each of the twenty regions—from Valle D’Aosta in the north to Sicily in the south—the authors provide an exhaustive overview of the history and growing conditions in the area, which grapes are considered native, and profiles of many of the current and recent past producers who have defined the industry. Much of this information was highly informative and did a great job of highlighting the diversity that exists across the country, including why producing wine with grapes native to an area is so important. The only real negative thing I can say about this material is the excessive amount of space spent on the growers’ biographies; although these were uniformly thoughtful and well-written, the people profiled will mean little to anyone who is not intimately connected to the business.
Overall, Vino is a thoroughly researched and passionately rendered look at a topic that will certainly resonate with a lot of readers. The authors bring a new point of view to a very old topic and their ability to communicate both their expertise and their enthusiasm was quite striking. I suspect that this volume will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of all of us who love everything about Italian wine.
The book is divided into three distinct parts, beginning with a potentially controversial discussion of how the highly regulated DOC appellation system that has been used to classify Italian wines for more than a half century can be a highly misleading guide to the quality of what ends up in the glass. As an alternative, Campanale suggests the use of the Vino Vero Venn (VVV) diagram, which triangulates wine quality on three dimensions: the use of grapes native to a region, the quality of the terroir, and the talents of artisan winemakers. If nothing else, the VVV system reveals the author’s underlying bias that only those bottles produced with native grapes using natural methods can be considered as real wines, or vino vero. I found this to be an interesting way to look at wine production and one that has the benefit of focusing on the quality of the product itself instead of classifications dictated by government regulation. A second section of the book then provides a quick overview of new styles—such as orange wines—that have emerged using VVV-friendly production methods.
The third section, which is by far the longest and most detailed, offers a region-by-region breakdown of what wine is being made right now throughout Italy, a discussion that goes far beyond the Chianti, Barolo, and Prosecco we are already familiar with. For each of the twenty regions—from Valle D’Aosta in the north to Sicily in the south—the authors provide an exhaustive overview of the history and growing conditions in the area, which grapes are considered native, and profiles of many of the current and recent past producers who have defined the industry. Much of this information was highly informative and did a great job of highlighting the diversity that exists across the country, including why producing wine with grapes native to an area is so important. The only real negative thing I can say about this material is the excessive amount of space spent on the growers’ biographies; although these were uniformly thoughtful and well-written, the people profiled will mean little to anyone who is not intimately connected to the business.
Overall, Vino is a thoroughly researched and passionately rendered look at a topic that will certainly resonate with a lot of readers. The authors bring a new point of view to a very old topic and their ability to communicate both their expertise and their enthusiasm was quite striking. I suspect that this volume will be a welcome addition to the bookshelves of all of us who love everything about Italian wine.
January 20, 2025
Decent information on all of Italy's regions. Held back by its focus on American readers: sports analogies that meant nothing to me and other assorted Americanisms.
September 29, 2025
"If Veronelli is right, then the purpose of winemaking is to give voice to as many stories as possible, told with as much skill as possible, capturing a world as richly as possible, with wines as complex, varied, and satisfying as the land and people from which they come."
The book represents the newest and one of the best guides to the complexity that is Italian wine. Author and sommelier Joe Campanale takes us on an extensive journey of the subject. He begins by describing what makes a truly great wine, which is the intersection of native grapes, exceptional terroir, and artisan winemakers. He then goes on to explore each of the 20 regions of the country, their native grapes, and most notable winemakers. Not all regions are given the same length and attention as others, since not every part of Italy is well known for its wine, but Campanale is ardent in his task. Like "The New French Wine" book, both authors prefer a more natural style of winemaking, and eschew non-native varietals. While I don't disagree with these opinions, I do feel great wine has the capacity to come from uncommon or unconventional sources. Nevertheless, this book is a must-have for any oenophile and the perfect way to spearhead my upcoming trip to Piedmont in a month.
The book represents the newest and one of the best guides to the complexity that is Italian wine. Author and sommelier Joe Campanale takes us on an extensive journey of the subject. He begins by describing what makes a truly great wine, which is the intersection of native grapes, exceptional terroir, and artisan winemakers. He then goes on to explore each of the 20 regions of the country, their native grapes, and most notable winemakers. Not all regions are given the same length and attention as others, since not every part of Italy is well known for its wine, but Campanale is ardent in his task. Like "The New French Wine" book, both authors prefer a more natural style of winemaking, and eschew non-native varietals. While I don't disagree with these opinions, I do feel great wine has the capacity to come from uncommon or unconventional sources. Nevertheless, this book is a must-have for any oenophile and the perfect way to spearhead my upcoming trip to Piedmont in a month.
August 19, 2022
This is a great read for any wine lover. The book is very nicely organized where you can easily identify different regions or types of wine. It was super interesting reading a little more about how wines are made and the different methods to do so. The book goes into great detail, so you can learn about different types of native grapes, recommended producers in specific areas, and the different processes they use. This would also be a great addition to coffee tables, or even set by the bar or wine rack if you have one.
February 12, 2022
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is an interesting book!
Campanale mixes anecdotes about his personal experience with his knowledge of wine. There are stories about Campanale growing up and his family as well as information about Italian wine. This book has helpful diagrams and information about Italian wine. We learn about the process, different kinds of wine, and what makes it unique.
Overall an informative read!
This is an interesting book!
Campanale mixes anecdotes about his personal experience with his knowledge of wine. There are stories about Campanale growing up and his family as well as information about Italian wine. This book has helpful diagrams and information about Italian wine. We learn about the process, different kinds of wine, and what makes it unique.
Overall an informative read!
May 17, 2023
My husband’s first word was more, and my first word was vino. More wine! I chose the site of my marriage based on my favorite wine in the world. We got married in a vineyard in Montalcino. The most extraordinary wine adventures we’ve ever had were with Joe. Joe has taught us about anfora/amphora, orange wine, he’s opened our minds and hearts to beautiful Lambruscos and wines of every age, shape, and vintner. We love his picks and knowledge and you will, too. Cheers, Joe!
Rachael Ray
Rachael Ray
May 14, 2022
Wow i learned so much from this book. I’ve always enjoyed a good Italian wine but I didn’t know more than I liked it. This book filled in so much.
Even if you didn’t read about the different regions and their wines, the pictures in this book are just beautiful. I wanted to climb inside each picture.
Even if you didn’t read about the different regions and their wines, the pictures in this book are just beautiful. I wanted to climb inside each picture.
June 15, 2022
Absolutely stunning book inside and out. The photos throughout the book were beautiful and it was so interesting to travel through the different Italian regions and learn about their different wines and winemakers. I learned so much from this book in a way that was intriguing. I am looking forward to trying an orange wine and planning my next trip to Italy. Would highly recommend.
March 20, 2024
Great guide to Italian wine. Introduced the concept of vino very early on, thought it would be more instructive on how to find wine that fits those criteria. Mostly is just a catalogue of Italian wine regions and producers which got a little tedious.
January 3, 2025
I loved this book. Though it sometimes it got too into individual winemaker's stories, it was otherwise very enjoyable and educational. The audiobook was sometimes hard to follow, so I'd recommend buying a psychical copy.
March 21, 2023
Not your average wine book. A good combination of beautiful personal stories and organized wine knowledge. You can see the author’s (hailing from Brooklyn!) true passion and love for Italian wines.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews