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Best Wine – Grapes into Wine

Wineguy — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:00:16 +0000

Grapes into Wine
Customer Review: A review of Wagners “Grapes into Wine”
A great compliment to Wagner’s “A wine Growers Guide”.

These two books are virtually bibles to the grape grower and amateur winemaker. If you have one, you will no doubt enjoy and use the other as well. “A wine growers guide” has helped me immensely in establishing my seven acre vinifera vineyard near the Southeast shore of Lake Erie. “Grapes Into Wine” is as absorbing and informative as the previous work.

Customer Review: Nice exposition on the history and process of winemaking
Philip Wagner’s death in 1997 was a loss to the winemaking community. Wagner lived through a broad period of wine history. His significant life experience spans prohibition through an illustrious life as a successful commercial winemaker. Wagner practiced what he preached. His life honors a love for the grape and the art of turning grapes into wine.

His book, “Grapes into Wine,” chronicles the history of winemaking told from the perspective of one who knows the subject. This book is not a step-by-step guide towards the process of making a fine wine; it’s an exposition on the history and high-level science of grapes and grape growing (viticulture) and the cultivation of grapes, and the manufacture of wine (viniculture).

Wagner explains the origins of winemaking, from its earliest documented sources to the present. He describes the early French winemaking period, the effects of phylloxera and other diseases that practically wiped-out this industry, the emergence of east and west coast American wine making, prohibition, and winemaking in the modern world. He then delves into the process of winemaking, both commercially and in small lots. Sugar and bacterial (malolactic) fermentation are described historically and as a modern process. He discusses the entire process of winemaking, from pitching the yeast, to racking, cold stabilizing, fining, and finally bottling. Common pitfalls are cited with a description of how these problems are addressed on a small and large scale. Different wine types are discussed, including dry, sparkling, fortified, and sweet. The book ends with a brief discussion about wine tasting. A number of Appendices are also included as are numerous pictures that give a glimpse into historical periods, people, tools and machinery, and places.

While Wagner describes the winemaking process in some detail, it’s not written as a guide towards making wine. For this, I’d suggest Jon Iverson’s book, “Home Winemaking Step-by-Step.” Iverson takes amateur winemakers by the hand and guides them through the necessary steps towards the creation of a finished table wine. Wagner’s book describes this process topically, touching on the details but not describing them in a step-by-step fashion.

The cover of this book states, “A newly written, completely up-to-date version of his now-classic American Wines and Wine-making, with new maps, charts, and illustrations.” I think this was true at one time, but from my perspective in 2003, this book more closely reflects the 1976 revision.

For example, p.64 shows a chart of California wine production from 1956 to 1973 in millions of gallons. Yet on the p.67 a 1982 note references how production has increased in 1980. It seems this note was inserted to make it more current while the preceding text was left untouched. I would rather have seen the chart updated to include wine production into the 1980s or 1990s rather than end in 1973. Eliminate the note and update the text and graphic. Much of the book is from the perspective of 1976.

This aside, Wagner’s book is a superbly valuable text. I don’t mean to give the impression it is sorely outdated; it’s not outdated in a way that degrades the value of what he has written. Wagner has documented a snapshot of history and I have enjoyed the book immensely. Many chapters I’ve read numerous times. I especially enjoy the chapters on the history of viniculture and viticulture. Wagner is gifted in his historical knowledge and I think these beginning chapters are the book’s crowning achievement.

Highly recommended, I only wish Wagner was alive to provide an update that includes a look into the 21st Century.

Fine Wine – Wine Tour of the Finger Lakes: Where to Stop, What to Taste, and What to Buy in New York State’s Premier Wine Region

Wineguy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:00:16 +0000

There are fine wines from the Biltmore in N.C. – Monroe News Star

There are fine wines from the Biltmore in N.C.
Monroe News Star
All of the grapes for this wine were grown in Sonoma County, Calif. This wine was created in stainless steel to give it a clean and crisp feeling. A little of the wine was treated with a secondary fermentation to bring the crisp acids to levels that …

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Wine Tour of the Finger Lakes: Where to Stop, What to Taste, and What to Buy in New York State’s Premier Wine Region

From the White House to four-star restaurants, Finger Lakes wines are now widely served and enjoyed. This book reveals how the vinifera revolution has produced wines that win awards in international competitions and earn respect from aficionados throughout the world, with lavish full-color panoramic photographs of this premier travel destination.

Customer Review: referred to it in between each winery stop on a 5 day vacation
this was a fantastic trip – the first time we toured an area specifically for wine tasting, and became comfortable stopping into wineries and interacting with those from the industry – the recommendations were fantastic and we lent this book to another couple who were also grateful for it’s recommendations

Customer Review: Ready for wine tour of the Finger Lakes
As I prepare and pack in order to move to the Finger Lakes region of NY state, I enjoyed reading Wine Tour, which further reinforces my love of the area. I have visited a few wineries and look forward to my permanent residence and a greater dedication of exploring the wine industry there. The book is well organized, informative and has many beautiful photographs of the region and its wineries. It is must read before wine touring.

Wine gift – Wines of the World: Your essential handbook (Eyewitness Companions)

Wineguy — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:00:11 +0000

Wines of the World: Your essential handbook (Eyewitness Companions)
From Alsace to Western Australia, and from Piedmont, Italy to the Colchagua Wine Valley of Chile, Wines of the World delivers essential information about each of the 35 major wine-producing regions in the world. With detailed reports on the top producers; must-have vintages; maps; buying guides; and the style, characteristics, and flavors of hundreds of wines – this is an unrivalled, lavishly illustrated, and portable guide for anyone interested in learning more about wines.

Customer Review: Exploring Wines of the World
Earlier, I reviewed a book in the Eyewitness Companions series on French Wine. What better sequel than looking at wine throughout the world? This volume does a nice job of providing the reader with a background regarding wine and then conducting a country by country tour of the important winemaking countries of the world. As always, one gets breadth at the cost of depth. But the tradeoff appears to me to be well worth making.

The context for winemaking is complicated. The work says (Page 10): “Wine is a pure reflection of its `terroir’ [Page22--". . .a unique combination of climate, topography, and soil types [that] shapes the character of the vines. . .”], and no other single product sums up its cultural, geographical, and historical origins in quite the same way.” Wine apparently began being made in the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia. Over time, grapes and wine spread throughout many countries. Trivia: France leads in wine production, with Italy second, Spain third, and the US fourth (see Page 13). Wine consumption is greatest in France. The US ranks 17th among countries.

The first part of the book explores the history of wine, the “terroir” (how the climate, soil type, etc. affect the grape), the various types of grape (e.g., merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, riesling, and sauvignon blanc among many others), what happens in the vineyard, the winemaking process, and the style of wines (sparkling, rose, etc).

With that context as background, the book then begins a country by country examination of grapes and wines throughout the world. Countries featured include the usual suspects, such as France, Italy, Spain, the United States, Germany (and Austria and Switzerland), Portugal, and so on. In addition, new world production in Chile and Argentina are discussed as well as the wine industry in venues such as Australia and New Zealand and Greece, etc. In a short Amazon review, it is quite impossible to summarize all. So, here are a couple samplings of the discussion, focusing on a handful of countries. Part of the fun of this book, after all, is one’s personal exploration of wines of the world!

Spain: First, a background on Spanish wine, including Spanish Wine Law. Then, a region by region discussion of wines, in northern Spain, central Spain, and Southern Spain. For each region, a discussion of the characteristic variety of grapes, the types of wine, characteristics of those wines, and so on.

Chile: Again, the discussion begins with an enumeration of the “terroir” of grapes in Chile, then a listing of top producers in each geographic area, and a brief description of the major wine producers in the country. At the end, one does have a clearer sense of wine in Chile.
All in all, an enjoyable and relaxing tour of the winemaking world. Another typically well done product of the Eyewitness Companions series.

Make Wine – De Long’s Wine Grape Varietal Table

Wineguy — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 18:00:12 +0000

Utah families help with the comeback of historic Tokaj grapes at Hungarian winery – Salt Lake Tribune
This welcome infestation creates unique flavors and makes the grapes phenomenal for wine. Tokaj wines are made using only white grapes, mostly Furmint (similar to chenin blanc), Harslevelu (similar to gewürztraminer) and muscat. Located in the

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De Long’s Wine Grape Varietal Table
Learn about Wine the Visual Way.

You consider yourself fairly open minded about wine. You’re familiar with the big five — Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay — and are getting comfortable with more obscure grape varieties: the occasional Albarino, Petite Sirah, or Viognier. But just when you thought you had the situation under control, your waiter suggests a Lagrein, your local liquor store is pushing Xynomavro, and your friends now swear by Pineau d’Aunis. What to do?

The popular wine reference, De long’s Wine Grape Varietal Table has been improved and expanded. Just as with the first edition, the world of wine grapes is organized in a clear, concise and easy to use reference similar to a periodic table. The table contains 184 red and white grape varieties organized by both body (vertically) and acidity (horizontally). The Wine Indexes, which help to answer the bacchanalian question “what grape are you drinking?”, now include all wine regions worldwide. To fit all the additional information in, the table is now 24 x 36 inches (printed on 110 lb. acid-free archival paper), and the indexes now comprise an 88 page perfect-bound book. The table and index book are packaged in an attractive and sturdy gift box.

It makes a great gift for novice or expert lovers of wine and is the first in the De Long’s Wine Info Series, a concise set of wine information guides.

Customer Review: top chart
An excellent tool for training, eduction or just curiosity. It is very easy to understand and reference.

Customer Review: Fabulous Chart.
I have many friends who enjoy wine, some of them in the food/hospitality business. They are all jealous of this chart.

Purchase Wine – Techniques in Home Winemaking: The Comprehensive Guide to Making Chateau-Style Wines

Wineguy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:00:12 +0000

Wine and dine in Washington state’s Yakima Valley – Rock Hill Herald
Should we ask? “I already ate mine,” confided Sheila, a Seattleite sitting next to me. OK, I confess, I had, too, washing it down with the suggested wine, a crisp Wahluke Slope sauvignon blanc. The husk was, uh, crunchy. “These are what we call

Techniques in Home Winemaking: The Comprehensive Guide to Making Chateau-Style Wines

From crushing grapes to bottling wine, this essential handbook enables the home winemaker to make informed decisions about ingredients, equipment, and the winemaking process. Precise step-by-step instructions lead both novice and advanced winemakers through all of the important procedures, including selecting and working with new equipment, determining the best material for specific styles, analyzing the product, monitoring acidity levels, and common troubleshooting problems. Using accessible charts and tables to offer detailed instructions for making Pinot noir, port, and sparkling wines, this newly updated edition also covers often overlooked topics, such as ice wines and blending varieties.

Store Wine – Concepts in Wine Technology

Wineguy — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:00:17 +0000

Wine Riot Attracts Non-Snobby Sippers – New York Times
Michael Robertson, 32, a wine manager and buyer at the Greene Grape, noted that the under-thirty customer is a slightly larger demographic than any other at his store. “I think Fort Greene is a perfect place for such an event being that it is

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Concepts in Wine Technology
This is the companion book to the author’s best selling Concepts In Wine Chemistry. It is a successor to his original Winery Technology & Operations. Since the author published his first book in 1990, he has shifted much of his time from research and teaching to operating his own small winery and consulting world-wide with other winemakers. Thus, this new text has a very practical and applied science character. In addition there have been significant discoveries and technological advances in winemaking since the original text. The enlarged sections on fermentation, skin contact, acid balance, the use of oak, phenolics and quality control reflect and expand upon the original text.

This is a “how-to” book, organized in the sequence of the processes a winemaker faces when confronted with the rapid challenge of converting fresh grapes into good wine. As the author points out, the grapes will make wine by themselves due to natural biological and chemical processes. However, to make good wine or even great wine, nature must be guided by the skilled and artful hand of the winemaker.

The author’s many years of experience in producing many different wines helps the reader focus on the right processes at the right time to achieve winemaking success. This book stands on the shoulders of the original highly acclaimed text and again it can be said: “Don’t make wine without it”!

Customer Review: make your wine beter
good book must to have if you are a wine maker

Purchase Wine – The American Wine Society Presents: Growing Wine Grapes

Wineguy — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 06:00:32 +0000

The American Wine Society Presents: Growing Wine Grapes

Containing advice from the experts, this guide offers helpful tips for growing wine grapes in any climate.

Customer Review: Important questiones unansewred.
Very basic information at best. Not really much help if you are seriously thinking of growing your own grapes. Many questions, like what variety should I grow, in not addressed properly as far as a Merlot or Cabernet etc. In fact the word “Merlot” is not even in the book! How far apart should the vines be planted? Beats me! I guess I’ll have to look in another book.

Customer Review: Probably a helpful read if starting a home vineyard
I thought this book was mediocre at best. I was surprised when got it because it is a small book. I have read others on grape growing and wine making and this didnt hit the top of the list. I was a little surprised because some of the important info of this book contradicted other books which makes me think that there are different methods to do certain things. The book has some very good ideas, but it can sometimes be hard to understand. I found many of the illustrations and tables hard to understand. Being an amateur grape grower, I guess i just had more questions than the illustrations and explanations could answer. Some chapters are very good. For example there is one that talks about specific diseases; this would be a good reference for the amateur grape grower.

I would say to gain more knowledge if you are new to the subject, read this book because it will allow you to see things in a different perspective and it will reinforce certain ideas, but if you had to pick one book, dont pick this one. I really liked Jeff Cox’s From Vines to Wines because it had good info on grape growing and wine making.

From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes & Making Your Own Wine

Wineguy — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:00:13 +0000

Exploring grapes from southwestern France – The Star-Ledger – NJ.com

The Star-Ledger – NJ.com

Exploring grapes from southwestern France
The Star-Ledger – NJ.com
By John Foy Enjoy your Labor Day party with these tasty, inexpensive wines from southwestern France made from unique grapes. Rose' is summer's color and the 2010 Chateau Bellevue La Foret Rose' has the bright crimson-orange glow of a pure sunset. …

From Vines to Wines: The Complete Guide to Growing Grapes & Making Your Own Wine
Customer Review: The only book of its kind, it helps to have a chem degree!
This is an excellent book, I recommend it to anyone who wishes to prepare wine from scratch. The book is written for the reader with knowledge of basic science concepts, especially a chemistry degree.

Customer Review: Whether planting one vine or one thousand, read this book!
Jeff Cox does what so few writers can do; he makes viticulture so interesting that you won’t want to put this book down. That’s saying a lot!

The whole book is a masterful handbook for the home or small commercial grower. From selecting the vines and a growing site to planting, growing, pruning, and harvesting to making wine, Cox literally packs the pages with useful information, tables and how-to illustrations. Even his appendix on grape pests and their control is written as a trouble-shooting guide based on symptoms rather than cause. This is both refreshing and useful.

If you can only buy one book on the subject, this is the one to buy.

Vines, Grapes & Wines: The Wine Drinker’s Guide to Grape Varieties

Wineguy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 06:00:30 +0000

Grapes of rapture – New York Post

The Times of Trenton – NJ.com

Grapes of rapture
New York Post
But a sober student of fermented grape juice should go directly to the source — local vineyards and wineries. New York State, surprisingly, is the No. 2 wine producer in the country (after California). New Jersey holds a respectable seventh place. …
Wine makers say Arizona brand won't wither on the vineInside Tucson Business

all 6 news articles »

Vines, Grapes & Wines: The Wine Drinker’s Guide to Grape Varieties

As more and more wine consumers become grape conscious, they identify and buy wine according to its grape—and this is the guide to help them choose. Written by one of the world’s most highly respected wine writers, Vines, Grapes, & Wines covers the numerous grape varieties that are grown internationally, examining an extensive range of the varieties that the enthusiast is likely to encounter both as a plant and as a wine style. Each one is described in its geographical context, and there are hundreds of inspiring illustrations throughout.

Winner of the Veuve Clicquot Wine Book of the Year and André Simon Drink Book of the Year awards

Customer Review: Still a valuable resource
While not as exhaustive as “Oz Clarke’s Encylopedia of Grapes”, this does contain information that Clarke’s book does not. Before the three sections on grapes (Classic Varieties, Major Varieties, Other Varieties) there is a section entitled “Where Grapes Grow and Why” that provides valuable insight. Some of the information is dated, however, and that should be a caution to anyone reading this for use as a text. For example, the book uses a 1979 “census” of the varieties grown in Champagne. The figures quoted in 1979 are far different than those today. So be careful if you quote this book with specific regard to data.

Customer Review: A reference book no-one should be caught without
Simply put, this is one of the classics and a must-have for anyone with more than a passing interest in wine. Although it is several years old now and certain parts are out of date in terms of trends and the planting patterns of some younger wine-producing countries, the important bits are still are relevant as ever. The most comprehensive and invaluable book on grape varieties, purely for its reference fact value. Oz Clarke and Margaret Rand have written a more up-to-date bok covering the same topic, but that is less focussed on the grape itself as the wines made around the world with the particular grape. If you can have both, all the better, but if you had to choose one, this one would be it.

Purchase Wine – The Last of the Wine

Wineguy — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 10:00:19 +0000

Opal Enterprises, A Company Offering Window Replacement In Naperville, Attends … – Online PR News (press release)

Opal Enterprises, A Company Offering Window Replacement In Naperville, Attends …
Online PR News (press release)
Opal Enterprises, a company that provides and installs Andersen Windows in Naperville, is attending the upcoming Naperville Wine Festival. The company also handles James Hardie siding replacement in Naperville for area customers. Online PR News …

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Behind the Vines: Jada –jewel tucked in the woods – Paso Robles Press

Behind the Vines: Jada –jewel tucked in the woods
Paso Robles Press
Her brother, formerly an analyst in online advertising in San Francisco, is now working under Galzignato, learning hands-on how to grow grapes and make wine. Everything at Jada revolves around family. The name of the winery is homage to Messina's …

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The Last of the Wine
In The Last of the Wine, two young Athenians, Alexias and Lysis, compete in the palaestra, journey to the Olympic games, fight in the wars against Sparta, and study under Socrates. As their relationship develops, Renault expertly conveys Greek culture, showing the impact of this supreme philosopher whose influence spans epochs.

Customer Review: Good novel for GLBT young adults.
What makes a novel for “young adults”? Is it one written for them, one marketed to them, or one which they will like? The correct answer is, of course, “any or all.”

I cannot find the reference, but I remember reading an interview with an author who had been quite successful in writing novels for adults, who had been asked to try her hand at a young adult novel. She was advised that the best way to do that was to make her main character the right age, and go on from there.

Given that the main action of the novel starts when the narrator, Alexias, is fifteen and ends when he is in his early twenties, this would classify the work as a young adult novel, although it is usually marketed and criticized as an adult novel.

The story is set in Athens, during and just after the Peloponnesian War. Alexias and his lover Lysis become pupils of Socrates. However, it is not all dry philosophical discussion. Alexias is a middle-distance runner and Lysis is a pankratist. (Pankration was a Greek combat sport; it means ‘all power’ and involved anything short of biting, gouging, and hair-pulling. Kicks, punches, throw-holds, grappling, and joint-locks were all parts of the pankratist’s repertoire. I suppose the nearest thing we have would be full-contact karate.)

Now, why would a teenager be interested in this? Well, the popularity of such films as Troy and The Three Hundred shows that Classical civilization is still of interest to young people; so does the continued growth of enrollments in high school Latin classes. Both war and sports–subjects which young men in this age group find interesting–are important parts of the plot. And, last of all, it is such a well-written, interesting story that one can hardly fail to be sucked into it.

Lastly, for GLBT teens, it offers us a view of a society in which same-sex relationships are seen as normal, even expected. Indeed, Alexias’ year-mate Xenophon–yes, the same person who later wrote the Anabasis; Renault is famous for putting real and made-up characters together–is totally heterosexual. At least Alexias suspects that he may be, but says that (a) he couldn’t bring himself to ask in so many words and (b) if it were he felt rather sorry for his friend who would thus have missed out on an important part of life. When Alexias’ father goes off to Sicily with the army, he and his son sit down for The Talk–but it isn’t about girls. Renault presents all this very matter-of-factly. That such a society could exist once implies that it could exist again.

In spite of this, Renault does not idealize Ancient Greece. The evil of slavery, the low place of women, and the casual cruelty are unblinkingly presented. (For example, the way prisoners of war were treated makes recent US violations of the Geneva Conventions look tame.) Contrast this with the thoroughly judgmental tone of Frank Yerby’s Goat Song, which imposes early-twentieth century values on Classical Greek culture.

For a more extended discussion of Mary Renault’s writing, see http://www.glbtq.com/literature/renault_m.html (accessed 6NOV07); I would recommend this–and indeed all of her mature period novels–for high school on up. The Mask of Apollo is set about a generation later, and sets things up for her trilogy about Alexander the Great (Fire from Heaven, The Persian Boy, Funeral Games.)

Recommended for high school and up.

Customer Review: Perfection
I did not read this book, I devoured it…. In THE LAST OF THE WINE I walked through the ancient streets of Athens, I lived among her people, I loved, fought, and died beside them. It is that kind of novel, pulls you right in and never lets go. Even after I finished it, I kept going back to it again and again.
The message of this story is revelant even today. Who can not think of Iraq now, upon reading of foolish, proud Athens sailing off to destroy Syracuse?
A few thoughts on earlier reviews…. this book is an easy read, the prose is simple and straight forward. One does not need a deep knowledge of Greek history or language to follow this story.