Wine Opine: A Book Review

The Trinacria: the symbol of Sicily

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of attending a Sicilian wine tasting with author Robert Camuto, who conveniently just published a book on his deep passion for Sicily. 

I was excited to attend the tasting and read Palmento because I don't have a great grasp on Sicilian wine, or even the country in general. (Except as everyone knows: "Never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!") After finishing the book, though, I think I can teach a course. You meet lots of oddball characters like former Mafia bosses and musicians bumming it out in Sicilian vineyards. And all the while Camuto transports you to the magical serenity of the Sicilian countryside. 

An award-winning writer from Wine Spectator and The Washington Post, Camuto is a natural for the leisurely pace of wine book writing. And while you're reading, do yourself a favor and pour something with Nero d'Avola (the most prominent red wine grape in Sicily). This is a book that's going to make you thirsty!