John Winthrop Haeger
North American Pinot Noir
$36.95, £25.95 hardcover
9780520241145
Available Now
455 pages, 7 x 10 inches, 11 full-color maps
September 2004, Available worldwide
Also in: Winemaking
September 2004, Available worldwide
Also in: Winemaking
Pinot noir, the famously elegant, sexy, and capricious red grape of Burgundy, is finally producing impressive wines in North America. Credit talented winemakers, enthusiastic restaurateurs, and consumers in search of alternatives to cabernet and zinfandel. Considered perhaps the ultimate food wine, pinot noir has an allure based on its special combination of aromas, flavors, and mouthfeel; on its legendary capacity to reflect the terroir where it is grown; and on its reputation for being hard to grow and make. This is the definitive work on pinot noir in North America. A comprehensive reference for winemakers and aficionados as well as a sourcebook for casual enthusiasts, it includes extensive historical and viticultural background on pinot noir in the New World and profiles of six dozen prominent producers in California, Oregon, British Columbia, and New York.
John Winthrop Haeger, known for his perceptive wine writing for more than fifteen years, gives contextual and comparative information about pinot noir in Burgundy and then tells the story of wine producers' early failures, frustrations, and breakthroughs in North America. He discusses plant genetics and clones, identifies the essential conditions for really good pinot, tells where the best wines are grown and made, and analyzes the factors that determine wine styles and signatures. In the second part of the book, he presents detailed producer profiles with accessibly written tasting notes on recent and mature vintages. A final section covers glassware, vintages, wine and food pairings, and other matters of interest to consumers. Maps prepared especially for this book cover all the major pinot-producing regions in North America.
John Winthrop Haeger, known for his perceptive wine writing for more than fifteen years, gives contextual and comparative information about pinot noir in Burgundy and then tells the story of wine producers' early failures, frustrations, and breakthroughs in North America. He discusses plant genetics and clones, identifies the essential conditions for really good pinot, tells where the best wines are grown and made, and analyzes the factors that determine wine styles and signatures. In the second part of the book, he presents detailed producer profiles with accessibly written tasting notes on recent and mature vintages. A final section covers glassware, vintages, wine and food pairings, and other matters of interest to consumers. Maps prepared especially for this book cover all the major pinot-producing regions in North America.
"A must-have for any wine professional's or Pinot Noir connoisseur's library."—Bill Nesto, Beverage Media Group
"If there's anyone who knows more about North American Pinot Noir, we haven't met him."—Randy Sheahan, Quarterly Review of Wines
"An exhaustive but altogether fascinating read for fans of the topic."—Sarah Jane Evans, Harpers Wine & Spirit Weekly
"Everything you've ever wanted to know about pinot." —Alistair Highet , Hartford Advocate
"Anyone who is captivated by this varietal will want to take a look at this book, which includes excellent geographic and geologic information, detailed profiles of producers and explorations of techniques, clones and just about everything else connected to the world's sexiest grape." —Michele Anna Jordan, Santa Rosa Press Democrat
"This book should be in any serious wine lover's library. . . . Writing with clean, clear, and unpretentious exposition, Haeger seems able to cover just about every aspect of North American Pinot Noir that a pinot-phile might want to learn about, and to do it interestingly. . . . Haeger has produced the definitive study of North American Pinot Noir."—Cole Danehower, Northwest Palate Magazine
"The book carefully delineates how intrepid New World vintners learned to make wines that deserve to be spoken of in the same breath as Burgundy."—Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
"An engaging study of winemakers, particularly those working in California and Oregon, who are earnestly looking to create the perfect Pinot. . . . A fascinating read for anyone with more than a passing interest in the so-called Heartbreak Grape."—Christopher Waters, Vines
"Within the wine world, some of the most passionate winemakers are mad for pinot noir. If you know a wine fan who is similarly besotted, then John Winthrop Haeger's North American Pinot Noir is the book for them."—Janice Fuhrman, Contra Costa Times
"For anyone obsessed by pinot noir -- and that varietal can easily become an obsession -- [this book is] essential reading."—Laurie Daniel, San Jose Mercury News
"Finally a consumer source book for the Pinothusiast that will definitively answer those pressing questions on finding, buying, serving and storing their beloved beverage."—Claudia Conlon, The Wine News
"What makes this book special is not just Haeger's precision with the details, but his opinions and personal point of view. . . . The result is a candid, richly informed look at New World pinot noir."—Tim Teichgraeber, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"[An] especially helpful addition to the library of just about any wine enthusiast. . . . A deep and layered survey of the grape's troubled history in North America, along with profiles of the continent's major pinot noir producers."—Mike Dunne, Sacramento Bee
"Destined to become a classic for worshippers of Pinot Noir."—Anne Schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"This book is a 'must have' for all Pinot Noir fans [and] the definitive work on Pinot Noir for our generation. Very highly recommended."—Bob Foster, California Grapevine
"Not only is the book a terrific reference, but Haeger writes about pinot noir like he wants a glass right now. That sort of passion might even turn the heads of American pinot skeptics."—Tara Q. Thomas, Denver Post
"What do you want to know about American pinot noir? Whatever it is, it's here: the history, the people, the vineyards and the vines that grow in them, as well as a bit on how they stand up to their Burgundian counterparts. . . . A great resource for serious pinot buffs as well as a fine argument to pose to skeptics of American pinot noir. Exciting, thought-provoking reading."—Tara Q. Thomas, Wine & Spirits Magazine
"If you like your pinot noir—or just want to understand it better—this is a must read."—Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, Annapolis Capital
"An impressive new book. . . . What emerges from its pages for us is a deeper understanding of America's unique and diverse terroirs for Pinot Noir and a richer appreciation of the elaborate efforts that winemakers put forth to make the best wine they can from their grapes."—Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW and Ed McCarthy, Nation's Restaurant News
"Every religion needs its scripture. Now Pinot Noir worshipers have theirs. North American Pinot Noir is exhaustively thorough and imbued with intelligence. . . . Haeger . . . writes with a sense of clarity and curiosity that makes [this] book a pleasure to digest."—Carol Emert, San Francisco Chronicle
"Haeger succeeds in giving wine lovers a deeper and broader appreciation of the grape than any top-ten, five-star list could deliver."—Publishers Weekly
"A rare book that offers a heavy dose of pinot noir history and laces it with the best sights to grow the grapes in America. . . . A must read." —Andy Andresky, Northwest Herald (IL)
"While many readers will appreciate the academic research and detail that make up the first half, wine connoisseurs will delight in Haeger's descriptive tasting notes for dozens of selected pinot noir producers. . . . An essential purchase."—Andrea R. Dietze, Library Journal
"If there's anyone who knows more about North American Pinot Noir, we haven't met him."—Randy Sheahan, Quarterly Review of Wines
"An exhaustive but altogether fascinating read for fans of the topic."—Sarah Jane Evans, Harpers Wine & Spirit Weekly
"Everything you've ever wanted to know about pinot." —Alistair Highet , Hartford Advocate
"Anyone who is captivated by this varietal will want to take a look at this book, which includes excellent geographic and geologic information, detailed profiles of producers and explorations of techniques, clones and just about everything else connected to the world's sexiest grape." —Michele Anna Jordan, Santa Rosa Press Democrat
"This book should be in any serious wine lover's library. . . . Writing with clean, clear, and unpretentious exposition, Haeger seems able to cover just about every aspect of North American Pinot Noir that a pinot-phile might want to learn about, and to do it interestingly. . . . Haeger has produced the definitive study of North American Pinot Noir."—Cole Danehower, Northwest Palate Magazine
"The book carefully delineates how intrepid New World vintners learned to make wines that deserve to be spoken of in the same breath as Burgundy."—Harvey Steiman, Wine Spectator
"An engaging study of winemakers, particularly those working in California and Oregon, who are earnestly looking to create the perfect Pinot. . . . A fascinating read for anyone with more than a passing interest in the so-called Heartbreak Grape."—Christopher Waters, Vines
"Within the wine world, some of the most passionate winemakers are mad for pinot noir. If you know a wine fan who is similarly besotted, then John Winthrop Haeger's North American Pinot Noir is the book for them."—Janice Fuhrman, Contra Costa Times
"For anyone obsessed by pinot noir -- and that varietal can easily become an obsession -- [this book is] essential reading."—Laurie Daniel, San Jose Mercury News
"Finally a consumer source book for the Pinothusiast that will definitively answer those pressing questions on finding, buying, serving and storing their beloved beverage."—Claudia Conlon, The Wine News
"What makes this book special is not just Haeger's precision with the details, but his opinions and personal point of view. . . . The result is a candid, richly informed look at New World pinot noir."—Tim Teichgraeber, Minneapolis Star-Tribune
"[An] especially helpful addition to the library of just about any wine enthusiast. . . . A deep and layered survey of the grape's troubled history in North America, along with profiles of the continent's major pinot noir producers."—Mike Dunne, Sacramento Bee
"Destined to become a classic for worshippers of Pinot Noir."—Anne Schamberg, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"This book is a 'must have' for all Pinot Noir fans [and] the definitive work on Pinot Noir for our generation. Very highly recommended."—Bob Foster, California Grapevine
"Not only is the book a terrific reference, but Haeger writes about pinot noir like he wants a glass right now. That sort of passion might even turn the heads of American pinot skeptics."—Tara Q. Thomas, Denver Post
"What do you want to know about American pinot noir? Whatever it is, it's here: the history, the people, the vineyards and the vines that grow in them, as well as a bit on how they stand up to their Burgundian counterparts. . . . A great resource for serious pinot buffs as well as a fine argument to pose to skeptics of American pinot noir. Exciting, thought-provoking reading."—Tara Q. Thomas, Wine & Spirits Magazine
"If you like your pinot noir—or just want to understand it better—this is a must read."—Tom Marquardt and Patrick Darr, Annapolis Capital
"An impressive new book. . . . What emerges from its pages for us is a deeper understanding of America's unique and diverse terroirs for Pinot Noir and a richer appreciation of the elaborate efforts that winemakers put forth to make the best wine they can from their grapes."—Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW and Ed McCarthy, Nation's Restaurant News
"Every religion needs its scripture. Now Pinot Noir worshipers have theirs. North American Pinot Noir is exhaustively thorough and imbued with intelligence. . . . Haeger . . . writes with a sense of clarity and curiosity that makes [this] book a pleasure to digest."—Carol Emert, San Francisco Chronicle
"Haeger succeeds in giving wine lovers a deeper and broader appreciation of the grape than any top-ten, five-star list could deliver."—Publishers Weekly
"A rare book that offers a heavy dose of pinot noir history and laces it with the best sights to grow the grapes in America. . . . A must read." —Andy Andresky, Northwest Herald (IL)
"While many readers will appreciate the academic research and detail that make up the first half, wine connoisseurs will delight in Haeger's descriptive tasting notes for dozens of selected pinot noir producers. . . . An essential purchase."—Andrea R. Dietze, Library Journal
"Finally, a book to demystify pinot and explain how American craftsman winemakers turn out wines made from Burgundy's legendary grape. Pinot noir pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of foods, making it one of my personal favorites--and the ideal choice when dining out."—Bradley Ogden, author, chef, and co-owner, Lark Creek Restaurant Group
"An impressive work, scholarly and masterful. Haeger's book paints a thorough portrait of pinot noir in America today—what's happening, where, and with whom. Wine lovers will gain a broader understanding and appreciation of pinot noir wines; aficionados of pinot noir will find the book a bible to feed their passion."—Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW, coauthor of Wine for Dummies and President of the International Wine Center
"Haeger combines the skills of a reporter with those of a poet in this definitive study of one of the world's great wine grapes as it is grown and vinified in North America—combining solid research and illuminating interviews with vivid descriptions of that most important thing: what the wine actually tastes and smells like."—Colman Andrews, Editor in Chief, Saveur
"John Haeger has written an engaging, thought-provoking book that every pinot noir lover will find fascinating."—Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible
"An impressive work, scholarly and masterful. Haeger's book paints a thorough portrait of pinot noir in America today—what's happening, where, and with whom. Wine lovers will gain a broader understanding and appreciation of pinot noir wines; aficionados of pinot noir will find the book a bible to feed their passion."—Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW, coauthor of Wine for Dummies and President of the International Wine Center
"Haeger combines the skills of a reporter with those of a poet in this definitive study of one of the world's great wine grapes as it is grown and vinified in North America—combining solid research and illuminating interviews with vivid descriptions of that most important thing: what the wine actually tastes and smells like."—Colman Andrews, Editor in Chief, Saveur
"John Haeger has written an engaging, thought-provoking book that every pinot noir lover will find fascinating."—Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible
List of Maps
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. The Grape, the Wine, and the History
1. The Basics
2. The Burgundian Connection
3. The Rise of Pinot Noir in North America
4. Where It Happens
5. Clones and Selections of Pinot Noir
6. Winegrowing and Winemaking
7. Burgundies and North American Pinots Compared
8. Reflections
Part II. Profiles of Key Producers
Part III. Enjoying Pinot Noir
Advice for Consumers
Pinot Terminology
A Note on Sources
Index
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Part I. The Grape, the Wine, and the History
1. The Basics
2. The Burgundian Connection
3. The Rise of Pinot Noir in North America
4. Where It Happens
5. Clones and Selections of Pinot Noir
6. Winegrowing and Winemaking
7. Burgundies and North American Pinots Compared
8. Reflections
Part II. Profiles of Key Producers
Part III. Enjoying Pinot Noir
Advice for Consumers
Pinot Terminology
A Note on Sources
Index
Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year 2005, Louis Roederer
Gourmand World Cookbook Awards -Honorable Mention, Best Wine Book , Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Gourmand World Cookbook Awards -Honorable Mention, Best Wine Book , Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
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