Wine: A Graphic History - Paperback

by Benoist Simmat (Author), Daniel Casanave (Illustrator)

Wine: A Graphic History uncorks the 8,000-year story of humanity's most storied drink in an appealing graphic format.

In crisp, witty panels, writer Benoist Simmat and artist Daniel Casanave trace how a simple fermented grape juice shaped empires, monasteries, trade routes, and dinner tables--while evolving into the global culture we recognize today.

Lively, accessible, and meticulously researched, Wine: A Graphic History is the perfect pour for curious newcomers, seasoned enthusiasts, food lovers, and graphic-nonfiction readers alike--a delicious blend of history lesson, tasting primer, and cultural tour.

Beginning with the first experiments in the Caucasus and the Mediterranean, the book follows wine through classical Greece and Rome, the monastic refinements of medieval Europe, and the birth of modern regions and appellations. Along the way, it demystifies the fundamentals--grape varieties, terroir, fermentation, aging, and taste--so readers understand why wines differ and how to appreciate them.

The narrative then fast-forwards into the revolutions that changed your glass: phylloxera and grafting, the rise of Champagne and sparkling techniques, the spread to the New World, and today's debates over biodynamics, organics, orange wine, sulfites, cork vs. screw cap, and climate change. Smart callouts and visual timelines make complex topics instantly legible and memorable.

Author Biography

Benoist Simmat is a journalist, essayist, and scriptwriter. A wine specialist, he is a longtime contributor to La Revue du Vin de France. Daniel Casanave is a French comic book artist and writer.