Cover Image: Russian River and Beyond, oil on canvas by Dana Hawley (www.danahawley.com) © 2005.
Courtesy: University of California Press.
Interesting Terms You'll Learn
in the Book:
A "Samsonite clone" is a budwood vine cutting, usually French, surreptitiously smuggled into the United States and also known as a "suitcase clone."
"Pineapple Express" is a weather system bearing heavy rains originating from the Hawaiian tropics that affects the Pacific Coast of North America, including the Russian River Valley.
The Russians are Coming!
A Wine Journey along the Russian River
(University of California Press)
December 5, 2008
While tasting great Pinots at the Gary Farrell winery high above the Russian River, spirited discussions turned to the region's colorful history. Our editors were intrigued enough to buy a book on the subject from the tasting room shop.
A few million years ago, volcanic explosions violently diverted a Mendocino river from its southerly course to San Pablo Bay. It swung West, snaking a new path to the sea. Like the zigzag of the river itself, author Steve Heimoff weaves an engrossing tale of wine making along the Russian River. He zealously explores countless facets, including dirt, rocks, fog, storms and Samsonite clones.
On his journey you meet geology professors, Russian fur trappers, Mexican governors, pioneers, Italian farmers, Texas millionaires, grape scientists, hippies and the Pineapple Express. The real stars are Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grapes from Alexander Valley and Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from Russian River. They are analyzed and explained thoroughly and with an expansive vocabulary. Keep a dictionary handy.
California wine lovers will appreciate the coverage of families behind familiar labels: Martinelli, Seghesio, Jordan, Arrowood, Farrell, Bynum, etc. Veterans and newcomers alike will enjoy the depth, scope and mystery of Heimoff's journey along this famous river. If you know of similar works on wine regions you love, be sure to let the Minute 00:60 know.
A Wine Journey along the Russian River
Author: Steve Heimoff
Publisher: University of California Press
www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/10087.php
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