Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/116287
s m a r t v i t i c u lt u r e The summary tasting notes on wine styles are most useful. This compilation of so much data about a single variety is the greatest achievement of this impressive book. I do not know of any other grape variety book with this level of well-researched information. As one might expect, that favorite grape variety of California, Zinfandel, comes in for special treatment, because, as you may know, its origin was disputed for a long time. Now the consensus is that Zinfandel is the old Croatian variety TRIBIDRAG, confirmed by DNA analysis, and in the book considered the prime name. There is no entry for Zinfandel. I think there should be, which might say, see TRIBIDRAG. Looking in the index for Zinfandel is not helpful; there are 17 page references. The only way you know that TRIBIDRAG is the prime name is if you pick out the italicized entry from the 16 non-italicized ones. I missed it on the first two searches, it is not even presented in bold! The problems of small print and old age—some of you may know the scenario. I think the authors should reconsider their indexing for the next edition. It could be improved. Readers in the eastern and middle U.S. will be pleased to see varieties they are familiar with included, especially with progeny of contemporary breeding programs mentioned. Pinot Noir is listed in the index with mentions on many pages, and the principal listing included under PINOT—as are also Pinot Meunier, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Teinturier and Pinot Noir Precoce. These were once considered distinct varieties, in the "Pinot family." Based on DNA profiling, these are now considered clones of PINOT. There is a pedigree diagram in the PINOT entry; Pinot, Gouias Blanc and Savagnin are "founder varieties," and their progeny, though not direct include Cot (Malbec), Carmenere, Viognier and Syrah, among many others. José Vouillamoz has chosen to present new discoveries with around 300 previously unpublished relationships between grape varieties and 14 pedigree diagrams, or family trees. The most complex is for Pinot, covering three pages, and there is one for Syrah (Shiraz) also. This book is a seminal masterpiece, and it will come to be regarded as such in both popular and scientific grape and wine literature. The concept of combining commercial wine experience over an extensive geographical scale, with traditional ampelography and recent genetic studies is so truly comprehensive that it beggars comparison with any other. Congratulations to Robinson and her team for gathering the necessary information and for such a professional and thorough execution. Who might use this book? The initial releases pre-Christmas 2012 were pitched toward the consumer market, and I am sure that wine enthusiasts will find the book a valuable addition to their libraries. However, I believe that there is another large market out there among grape and wine producers, and students and teachers of grapes and wine. Frankly, I cannot imagine that professionally minded people associated with grape and wine production would not want a copy on their bookshelf. I believe that this is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative grape and wine books ever published. PWV Dr. Richard Smart is rewriting and thoroughly revising Sunlight into Wine. He is happy to receive statements from growers and winemakers about their commercial success with various aspects of canopy management. Interested persons should contact Dr. Smart by email at richard@smartvit.com.au. Dr. Smart visits the U.S. frequently, and consulting appointments can be made by email. See also smartvit.com.au. Providing Pure Excellence COOL-FIT® Plus Systems! Your pre-insulated piping solution for glycol installations. www.cool-fit.georgfischer.com 2882 Dow Avenue, Tustin, CA 92780-7258 • Phone (714) 731-8800, Toll Free (800) 854-4090 e-mail: us.ps@georgfischer.com • www.gfpiping.com pr actica l win ery & vin eya rd APRIL 20 13 77