Noble Nine

The revelatory story of our best-loved wines made from nine “noble” grapes, from a plant biologist specializing in the history and science of wine.

Cabernet Sauvignon. Chardonnay. Chenin Blanc. Merlot. Pinot Noir. Riesling. Sauvignon Blanc. Sémillon. Shiraz. Expert wine biologist Andrew Wood tells the story and science of the wines we love to drink through these renowned and ubiquitous nine “noble” grapes. From the rescue of European vineyards from pestilence by grafts of American vines in the nineteenth century to the modern use of climate data to optimize harvests and experiments in terroir to affect taste, Noble Nine delves into fascinating botanical history and cutting-edge science to explore why wine tastes the way it does, and how biology, weather, and humans shape it. Wood’s lively narrative is buoyed by stories of individual vineyards, tasting notes for each grape, and original analysis of wine prices.

Delightful for connoisseurs and amateur sommeliers alike, Noble Nine opens a unique window onto wine, from vine to glass and every stage in between.