Bel Vino - Rated 
A continuation of the story started in Vanilla Beans and Brodo, which to obtain background knowledge of Montalcino and its residents; it is advisable to read first.
It does not matter if you have not done so because I noticed that some of the information is repeated in Bel Vino.
This time the author's main theme is her interest in trying to untangle the story of Brunello di Montalcino from the facts fiction and fables. It is a fascinating story of change and where once the contadini(farmers)once worked the land for rich families, they now produce wine on land that they own themselves.
I enjoyed this and it was certainly worth reading, but personally I did not think it was as good as the first book about Isabella and Luigi's life in Montalcino.
The following is what I had to say in my Amazon review about Vanilla Beans and Brodo.
This is different from many other life in the sun stories in that this is far less about the author, very much the real story of Montalcino. The detail is fascinating and the author manages to convey a very real sense of place
I am lucky enough to be living in Italy myself though a little further south. We can see Mount Amiata from the other side, so not that far away. . She paints a vivid portrait of life in Montalcino; so much of it was familiar, compared to some of my own experiences.
My only query is in that she refers to Montalcino as a village? With 2,000 residents it sounds much more like a small town to me.
I now plan to try and visit Montalcino one day as would love to do `The Garden Walk'
Will certainly be keeping this book with my collection of Italian guidebooks, as sure I shall be referring to it again. I also plan to read the sequel Bel Vino soon for another reminder of why I enjoy living here. As if I need one!
Yet another..... - Rated 
This seems to be one more of the 'we moved abroad and integrated with the natives' books. I was so disappointed with this. Ms Dusi (Isabella formerly known as Isabel!) states that she has no wish to patronise the local residents, then does just that. She states that, in order to integrate fully, she and her husband choose not to mix with resident English, American and Australian neighbours, yet when a wealthy American invites her to dinner she can't get there quickly enough!
The book is full of inconsistencies and I found the sycophantic style too syrupy for my taste, which is a shame, as I really wanted to enjoy it.
On a practical level, the editor and proof reader should be shot. Some of the grammar is dreadful, third person plural forms of verbs frequently follow singular nouns, words seem to be misused and misunderstood, and there are many typographical errors which interrupt the flow of the prose.
Would I buy this again? No. Have I wasted my money? I think so.
A marvellously enticing trip in the land of legends - Rated 
For better or worse, I do very little reading for pleasure. So all the greater enjoyment (for me, anyway) when I picked up this book and just couldn't put it down.
Signora Dusi paints a picture of life in Montalcino (home of the infamous Brunello wine) full of delicate interactions and curious complexities that could only exist in a small, walled, hilltop Tuscan village.
The notoriety of the history of Brunello, the legend and counter-legend of who invented this glorious wine, and the development of dear friendships with the cittadini and contadini (read the book!) alike envelop you into a wonderful landscape.
Her writing flows easily, making for a thoroughly enjoyable and effortless read, drawing you into the description of each new friend (Signor Primo for example), each new tradition (the archery contest), and each new and delightful Italian dish that she meets along the way.
The Irish Times said, "In short, she makes us want to book a flight immediately."
How right they are.
If travel writing has never been your 'thing' but you have wondered what life might be like in a Tuscan village (as many of us do), then this book is a great place to start.
A fine vintage - Rated 
Dusi's portrayal of Tuscan life is a work of staggering beauty and touching warmth. This is not just a book about wine, though it does feature quite a lot as you can imagine, nor is it a travel book. It is about the history and traditions of an ancient community in Montalcino. The more you read this book the more you get immersed. You will want to taste some Brunello and, dare I say it, visit the sweet sounding hill top village where it gets created. At times though this book is not always and easy read, there are moments where it did seem to drag a little and I did fell a little frustrated and wished the story would move a little quicker. But perseverance with this book will be well rewarded; you will not want to miss the excitement of archery tournament an event where Dusi brilliance as a writer shines.
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