Tuscan Grappa and the Masters of Time

Tuscan Grappa and the Lords of Time is an original publishing venture that recounts, in a simple and conversational style, the history and process of grappa distillation and tasting. Divided in two parts - an extremely interesting slant - the book also illustrates the world of those who live in direct contact with the land.
In the first part the original "Tuscanity" of grappa is pointed out by means of documented research. In fact from long and careful investigation it emerged that the first indisputable information on the production of alcohol from the distillation of marc was supplied by the mediaeval alchemist Taddeo Alderotti of Florence, founder of the "school of masters in the art of distillation". He also supplied the first recipe for aqua ardens (Codice Vaticano Consilia).
There follows a clear and accessible description of the processes that result in the production of grappa and of the various examinations (visual, olfactory, tasting) that help the reader to recognise and best appreciate bouquets and aromas.
In the second part of the book Gioacchino Nannoni, one of Italy's greatest master distillers, speaks in depth of the almost "emotional" and "spiritual" bonds involved in the distillation process. His genius, skill and long experience resulted in "grappa di Fattoria".
Together with Nannoni there is a series of people who have contributed or are still contributing to defending this marvellous land of Tuscany: some by safeguarding its environmental and cultural heritage, some by upgrading the countryside and some by rehabilitating castles and historic residences.
But the author also wanted to focus on their approach to Time and its passing. In Italian the word tempo means both time and weather, so there is climatic time and chronological time which plough a clear furrow of distinction between those who, like these people, have direct and complete experience of nature and the land, and those who, like most of us, live the everydayness of modern life, made up of offices, traffic, chaos and frenzy.
We learn about each individual's thought, the ideas that motivate him, his relationship with life, the countryside, wine and the surrounding environment, as well as his personal history: words and stories freely given, and accompanied by a fine selection of colour photos.
Travelling through Tuscany the author, Andrea Zanfi, identified and paused over the actions and gestures of people who, with meticulous and careful research, coupled with great passion, have made this land recognised and appreciated worldwide.
These "lords of time", like the druids of antiquity, were able to listen to and understand the voices of the natural elements. Like renaissance sculptors they have raised unique environmental monuments, contributing with their work to safeguarding and upgrading important rural areas. Through their opinions, dreams and ideas the reader will see how the land of Tuscany has fascinated and "captured" important people, both Italian and foreign, who have decided to make it their adopted country.