Vitibook - Book
Paolo Sabbatini, Viticulturist and Extension Specialist
"Vitibook contains a large amount of information on several pivotal aspects of modern viticulture. The aim of this book is to provide a background and a guide to the production of grapes. Its scope is considerable; it covers a very broad range of topics related to applied viticulture, from culture to production. Unlike several other applied viticulture books, Vitibook is easy to read and well organized in several chapters. The nine sections, each prepared by experts in the particular subject area, are well written and the numerous illustrative figures and tables are a very useful synthesis of several topics. Despite this, the material is not elementary; contrarily, the level of details is quite adequate for a full understating of the complex dynamics between environment and cultivar selection. The range of topics is truly extensive and includes world statistics, soil and climate, vine morphology, grape varieties and clones, pest and diseases. An additional and appropriate complete glossary is reported at the end of the book. However, to achieve the goal of a comprehensive, but practical book, a number of sections, normally covered in standard textbooks, such as irrigation, nutrition, tractors and sprayers, has been greatly reduced and summarized with illustrations, pictures and tables. This book will be an excellent source of science-based information for commercial growers and scientists. It will have a special value in regions where grape growing is already been established and look for more advanced improvements especially in the area of grape variety, clone and rootstock selection. Material on vine and enological characteristics of grape varieties and clones are not always easy to obtain and the summary reported in the Vitibook is unique and most relevant for the fast growing wine industry of USA"
Hal Huffsmith
The VITIBOOK is far more than – as the authors propose – “suggestions for worldwide viticulturists”. The book encompasses a broad range of topics that provide a robust reference resource for grape growers. While some of the statistical information is a little dated, the comprehensive presentation of regional viticulture and wine production, training / trellising systems and clone selection (UCD National Grape Registry) is both thorough and concise. The pictorial display of pests and diseases, symptoms of abnormal vine growth plus vine physiology / morphology is a useful guide to identifying potential problems in the vineyard. For those who prefer the use of pictures rather than text to analyze vineyard maladies, this is the book for us.
Ofelia H
VitiBook is an excellent resource that I use at work everyday. It's such a great guide for those of us that need help determining what clonal selection to use and I especially like the section on pests and disease. Whether you are experienced in viticulture or new to grape growing, you will find this book an easy read and an excellent guide to grape growing.
Vinsanity Girl
Vitibook is a little gem of a book out of Italy that is just perfect for a vino-geek like me. The book is very thorough in its coverage of grapevine morphology and phenology and it includes interesting statistical data about grape-growing regions around the world. The section on clones is informative and is exactly what I was looking for. It is the horrifyingly graphic chapters on grapevine diseases and pests that really make this book worth owning. Replete with full color photographs that document all sorts of grape maladies and creepy-crawlies, it is a small wonder that anyone would ever decide to develop a vineyard at all. Frightening. Vitibook is a wonderful addition to my modest collection of all-things-grapey-reference books.
Joyce R
What a great reference book! I would buy it for the pictures alone - and they take up most of the book. It is the best collection of pictures of grapevine pests and diseases that I have seen. The information is presented with a global perspective so that you are not limited to one country. It also includes the viticultural and enological characteristics of the clones of most wine grape varieties, which is an indispensable resource. The book begins with a timeline of historical milestones in viticulture - a very interesting read. Excellent job!
Randy Heinzen
In addition to the meaty passages on history, international production statistics and clonal information, Vitibook provides an authoritative compendium on vine maladies and their field expression and impact. The photos in the book alone justify its inclusion in every winemaker's or viticulturist's pouch.
Jason Y.
A very comprehensive book on viticulture including a very informative section on clonal selections. If you are striving for excellence in the vineyard or you are involved in the wine making process then this book is a must have for your library. I keep a copy in my truck at all times!
Jessica Chin Foo
A great tool for me to learn more about viticulture. I especially love the extensive clone listing!
