" The three largest universities in Tuscany have joined forces to set up a 'wine university' " - É«ºÐÖ±²¥S , December 7.

From: Dr Piercem¨¹ller

Dear Professor Augusto Marinelli

Allow me to introduce myself. I am senior lecturer in the department of media and cultural studies at one of the United Kingdom's leading second-rate universities. As my enclosed CV indicates, I have a lengthy and distinguished research record, with three major books "forthcoming" and another "in press".

I am writing to you because my attention was drawn to an article in The É«ºÐÖ±²¥S that describes your intention to involve the universities of Florence, Siena and Pisa in the establishment of "a wine university".

Although I do not have a specialised knowledge of the fields of inquiry mentioned in this account - geology, biology, plant pathology, agronomy, entomology - I feel that I have a valuable contribution to make to your envisaged institution.

É«ºÐÖ±²¥

For many years, a great deal of my specialised comparative research has been carried out within the region of Tuscany. Between 1973 and 1981, I undertook a detailed investigation into the economy of the leather handbag industry in Florence. This was followed by a four-year study of the iconic status of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and two years intensive participant research at the Siena palio.

During this time I also maintained a keen professional interest in the food and wine of your region. My semiological analysis of Parmigiano as a shifting signifier in Italian restaurants ( Grated or Shaved , Mimeo) is only one of several publications arising from this period.

É«ºÐÖ±²¥

Turning to more specific oenological concerns, I would be happy to offer one or more of the following options in your undergraduate degree: Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Chianti Classico (Riserva).

I look forward to talking to you and confirm that I am available for interview in Siena, Florence, or Pisa in the new year.

Buon Natale