Wines of California
Description:... The wine industry in California was founded over 150 years ago, and by the end of the nineteenth century Napa Valley and Santa Cruz were celebrated for the excellence of their wines. Then the double blow of phylloxera and Prohibition almost eradicated the production of fine wines. But a handful of energetic individuals revived the wine industry in the 1960s and within a decade California wines were being recognized as among the finest in the world. The Californians were unwilling to rest on their laurels and have gone from strength to strength. This book explains what it is that makes Californian wines distinctive: a combination of climate, soil, tradition, and innovation. Stephen Brook examines the history and climate of each major region, shows how certain viticultural and wine-making practices are specific to California, and looks at how the principal grape varieties are handled stylistically in different parts of the state. Far from being a dry reference work, this book is studded with the vibrant personalities who keep Californian wines at the forefront of top-quality wine production. Special features of this comprehensive book include detailed lists of single vineyards, now receiving greater attention from wine-makers, and a gazetteer which features over 630 different wineries, pointing to the best and most interesting wines from each. Book jacket.
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