Thrill-seekers Engaging in Dream lifestyle as depicted in Books
In the world of wine and rural living, there's a rich tapestry of stories waiting to be explored. Here, we delve into some captivating memoirs that offer insights into the gastronomic delights of France and Italy.
Christopher Cooke's self-published book, "Ancient Land Pastures New: The Creation of a Small English Vineyard," is an enlightening read for wine enthusiasts. Despite its self-publication and lack of professional editing, the book charms readers with its behind-the-scenes look at the world of wine production.
Meanwhile, in France, Jeany Cronk's At Home in Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France is a standout recommendation. This memoir chronicles Jeany and her husband's move to Cotignac, a rural village in Provence, their challenges and success in establishing Maison Mirabeau, a rosé wine company, and their embrace of Provençal life and cuisine. The book combines personal anecdotes with regional recipes and reflects a deep commitment to sustainable wine production.
Another poignant memoir about moving to rural France is Steve Hoffman's book, published in July 2024 by Crown and costing £25. Titled "A Season for That: Lost and Found in the Other Southern France," the book offers a delightful exploration of the scents and flavours of rural Languedoc, including fresh oysters, wild rabbit, and perfectly ripe apricots.
Ferenc Máté's memoir, "The Hills of Tuscany: A New Life in an Old Land," published in 1998 by WW Norton & Co, also immerses readers in rural life, particularly Italian culture revolving around dining.
Vincent Van Gogh, the renowned Dutch painter, also found inspiration in the vineyards of France. His painting, The Green Vineyard, is usually found at Kröller-Müller Museum in Otterlo, The Netherlands. Another of his works, The Red Vineyard, was the only painting he sold during his lifetime for 400 francs.
However, our exploration of rural Italy for memoirs about food and wine production seems to be incomplete. Further research is needed to uncover the hidden gems of Italian vineyards and the stories they hold.
In addition to memoirs, there are several excellent cookbooks that delve into the storytelling elements of rural French and Italian life. Mimi Thorisson's "French Country Cooking" and Dorie Greenspan's "Around My French Table" are modern classics that offer accessible, hearty recipes intertwined with engaging narratives about rural French life and local food culture.
As we delve deeper into the world of wine and rural living, we discover unmissable summer wine adventures from vineyards to vistas, according to a premium article. The hidden wine gems of the Italian coast, too, remain a tantalising mystery waiting to be explored. Whether through memoirs or art, the allure of rural France and Italy continues to captivate us.
[1]: Cronk, Jeany. At Home in Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France. St. Martin's Press, 2009. [2]: Thorisson, Mimi. French Country Cooking. Clarkson Potter, 2015. [3]: Greenspan, Dorie. Around My French Table. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2010.
Reading Christopher Cooke's book, "Ancient Land Pastures New: The Creation of a Small English Vineyard," provides an entertaining respite for those interested in wine news, offering insights into the world of wine production. Alongside wine enthusiasts' reading list, bookworms might also find palatable Jeany Cronk's memoir, "At Home in Provence: Recipes and Stories from Life in the South of France," which blends books, entertainment, and gastronomy, embodying the French countryside's enticing charm.
