Ep. 2787 Prosecco Superiore by Dr Susan H. Gordon

About this episode

Welcome to Book Club and Episode 2787 of the Italian Wine Podcast with Richard Hough. In this episode, Richard is in conversation with the wine writer, researcher, and author, Dr Susan H. Gordon. Susan is the author of “The Story of Prosecco Superiore”. This conversation explores Susan’s background and career as a wine writer, the origins of her fascination with Prosecco, the factors that shape the current success of Prosecco internationally, and her approach to wine writing. Further reading: “What a Little Hilltop in Abruzzo Can Tell Us About Words for Place” published in Gastronomica (University of California Press). “A Short History of Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce” by Massimo Montanari “Gastronativism: Food, Identity, Politics” by Fabio Parasecoli “The Power of the Terroir: The Case Study of Prosecco Wine” by Diego Tomasi (Autore), Federica Gaiotti (Autore), Gregory V. Jones (Autore) The Book Review by Richard Hough: By the author’s own admission this is a complex piece of writing that will challenge its readers to move beyond the superficial. The book tells the story behind Prosecco Superiore, its roots in Italian languages and cultures, the key historical figures and local producers who have shaped its development, and the scientific and agricultural innovations that have allowed Prosecco to become the global phenomenon that we know today. With 57 pages of detailed footnotes, the author has taken a profound dive into the subject matter to produce a unique account of one of Italy’s most iconic wines. About today’s guest: Susan H. Gordon is a wine writer, researcher, and author specializing in Italian wines, known widely for her deep-dive coverage of Prosecco Superiore and regional Italian winemaking. Born in Rome, Italy, and raised in New York City, she holds a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in fiction from The New School and a PhD focused on creativity, culture, and the technology of wine zones from the University of the Arts. Certified as an Italian Wine Ambassador through the Vinitaly International Academy and holds advanced Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) credentials. She is a regular contributor to Forbes’ online platform where she writes about Italian wine. “The Story of Prosecco Superior” by Susan H. Gordon is published by Bloomsbury and is available in both hardback and paperback at: https://www.bloomsbury.com/ca/story-of-prosecco-superiore-9798216494102/ Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsusanhillaryg/ More about the host: Richard Hough is the editor, translator and project curator behind The Art of Wine Storytelling, Wine Democracy and Vine and Prejudice. He has also published several books about life in Verona, chronicling the city’s history, culture and daily life, not forgetting, of course, its wine, including Verona Campione, published in May 2025. With a long-standing passion for whisky and beer, he’s a relative newcomer to the world of wine and is now desperately trying to make up for lost time! He is the host of Book Club on the Italian Wine Podcast. Connect: Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/rickhough.bsky.social Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/verona_campione Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickhough/ _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!