Vinum, The Story of Roman Wine
Though grapes are native to the Caucasus they migrated west to the Mediterranean Basin with the dawn of civilization, and arrived in Italy with the Greeks if not sooner. Those early agronomists quickly realized that the Italian peninsula was ideally suited to grape cultivation, and also realized that the peoples inhabiting the Peninsula were extraordinarily good clients; by the time of the Roman rise to prominence wine played a pivotal role in daily life in Italian cities and towns, and was also one of the pillars upon which the economy rested. On the one hand, Roman traders turned fabulous profits exporting the better Italian wines to the Celts and Germanic tribes, and on the other they turned equally impressive profits importing cheaper wines for the masses at home. And there was much more: Wine fueled the State though taxes, supported innumerable other industries (including ship building and ceramics), and played a part in almost every aspect of daily life from religion through health care.
Stuart Fleming paints a detailed picture of all this in Vinum, The Story of Roman Wine; chapters include Legions and Legalities, An Emotional Investment (why the Romans sank fortunes into vineyards when other things gave better returns), Changing the Flavors (preparing and doctoring wines), Drunkenness and Depravity (what it sounds like), the Medicinals (wine as a drug), and A Separate Standard (Women and wine).
It's well written, packed with nicely translated quotes from ancient sources ("Nepos, my neighbor twice over, you have a daughter whose face is stamped with her father's likeness, witness to her mother's virtue. However, don't be too sparing of your aged Falerian; rather leave behind you jars full of cash. Let your girl be dutiful, let her be rich, but let her drink the new wine [when she grows up]; the flagon that is new now will grow old with its mistress. Let no Caecuban vintage nourish only the childless. Fathers too can enjoy life, take my word. (Martial, Epigrams, V.64); P. 65")" and full of illustrations that open new vistas to exploration. For example, a photo of henna blossoms, with the explanation that they helped lull the inebriated to untroubled slumber, and a quotation from Plutarch on the subject, or drawings of the various kinds of amphorae with an explanation of where they were made and how they can be used to trace trade routes.
In all, 133 pages, with 77 plates, a great many illustrations, background for the quotations, and a discussion of the references sited. A fascinating book that anyone with a more-than-passing-interest in wine will enjoy. Also, I might add a perfect gift.
For more information, including how to order, see http://www.romanwine.com.
- Practical things:
- Vinum, The Story of Roman Wine
- By Stuart J. Fleming
- Art Flair (Glen Mills PA), 2001
- ISBN 0971274207
Looks Good! I'd like to see the Order Form.