Isobel & Lou moved to Montalcino & became Isabella & Luigi ten years ago & they have now been embraced by the locals & immersed in their antiquated customs & age-old feuds. In BEL VINO Isabella takes the reader on a winding journey to discover the true aristocratic orgins of the world-renowned wine Brunello di Montalcino on whose vintage the fortunes of many of the Montalcinesi depend. Taking us through the seasons of the wine harvest, Dusi weaves a path that brings in the local white-hooded monks who have lived in the Abbey of Sant` Antimo since at least 814; the last remaining local shoemaker; the harvesting of mushrooms, olives & truffles; an archery contest with a local village at which passions run high; & the fight to save a 1000-year-old church with no foundations. As an insider, Dusi is able to portray Tuscan life with all its idyllic charms whilst also giving an intriguing insight into the daily workings of the ancient village of Montalcino.