Published in Austria, and written in German and English (translation by Giles MacDonogh), Wein/Wine Genesis features a collection of scientifically informed imagery, in very close-up detail, of all stages of a vine’s growth cycle.

In addition, there is a full account of a year’s work in the vineyard, from the spreading of fertilizer to fermentation, filtration, fining and beyond – all accompanied by some highly illuminating photos.

The back section gives a clearly laid out introduction to ampelography, featuring high-resolution photographs and grape bunches and leaves from vines ranging from Agiorgitiko to Weisser Steinschiller.

Austrian Wine Marketing board managing director Willi Klinger says: “It may be true that in our own lifetimes, oenology is developing faster than ever before, but most of what we see in this masterpiece remains true for all that, and a wholly timeless witness to a fascinating culture.”

Edited by Leo Heinz and published by Kulinarium Verlag in Vienna, priced at €59.90 – kulinariumverlag.at