Product Description

The story of Napa Valley winemaking is the story of its people - their triumphs and failures, their passion and commitment, and their ongoing struggle to produce world-class wines. In Michael Chiarello's stories and profiles, we meet the people who make the wine that gives the Napa Valley its singular reputation. As Chiarello points out, the best wines are more than just grapes, soil, and weather; there is a hint of the winemaker's character in them. By knowing the stories of the winemakers, we can taste the history and effort that has shaped every glass. The book includes vignettes that explain the winemaking process as a series of critical decisions, and the debate over these decisions often continues long after the wine is in the bottle. More than 150 stunning photographs by acclaimed photographer Steven Rothfeld capture the visual splendour of this remarkable place and highlight its cultural and culinary contributions. Chiarello brings an insider's insightful and intimate perspective to the story of this legendary region. He has created the ultimate gift book for everyone who enjoys the pleasures of fine wine.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #290404 in Books
• Published on: 2001-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 312 pages

Amazon.com Review
The Napa Valley is justly famed for its winemaking. It's also home to the people responsible for that reputation, prominent vintners like Mondavi and Duckhorn, as well as lesser-known wine stars including Larry Turley and Tony Soter. Michael Chiarello's Napa Stories, written with Janet Fletcher, profiles these and others whose lives are intimately entwined with Napa wine production and enjoyment. A Valley resident for 15 years, Chiarello knows many of his subjects personally, and has also cooked for many of them at his award-winning restaurant in St. Helena, Tra Vigne. This personal involvement gives his book's narrative immediacy; his cooking savvy results in the book's selection of delicious, accessible valley recipes, such as Roast Chicken with Fennel and Cheese, Grilled Lamb Loins with Napa Cabernet, and Bing Cherry Compote with Basil Gelato.

The book is organized around the illustrated profiles; in addition, Chiarello provides fascinating vignettes, such as Right Grape, Right Place; Napa Cheese; and Napa Wine, that elucidate the winemaking process (touching on such matters as varietal planting, fermentation, and blending) or celebrate the relationship of Napa food and wine. The Valley's compelling beauty and multicultural richness are captured in 150 color photos, which also depict the dishes in all their savor. With a resource list for authentic Napa Valley products, the book is an intimate blend of personal and territorial history--telling visual depictions, good food, and, of course, good wine. --Arthur Boehm

About the Author
MICHAEL CHIARELLO began apprenticing in restaurants at the age of fourteen. In 1985 he was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine. As a founder of Tra Vigne restaurant in Napa Valley, he has consistently won accolades as one of the top chefs in the country. Chiarello's successful Tra Vigne Cookbook: Seasons in the California Wine Country (Chronicle) was the basis for the television series Season by Season, which is broadcast every week on more than 170 PBS stations nationally. His NapaStyle line of distinctive foods is sold nationwide.

JANET FLETCHER is a staff food writer for the San Francisco Chronicle, where her writing won the 1999 James Beard Award and the 2000 Bert Greene Award. She has authored or coauthored 12 cookbooks, including The Cheese Course and Fresh from the Farmer's Market (both Chronicle).

STEVEN ROTHFELD is the photographer of Entrez (Artisan), French Dreams (Workman), Irish Dreams (Chronicle), and Italian Dreams (Collins). He has also illustrated the works of prominent figures in the food and travel world, including Frances Mayes, Patricia Wells, and Wolfgang Puck. He lives in St. Helena, California.

Customer Reviews

The Real Napa
This book is amazing. The stories told by the families are so rich and real that one truly begins to understand why the Napa Valley is so special. Michael Chiarello really does such a nice job with the families in the style and respect he shows (just as I have seen in his Tra Vigne Cookbook, and his PBS shows - Season by Season, and Michael Chiarello's Napa). The photography really brings one right into parts of the Napa Valley that have only been known previously by the people that live there. The recipes are so special too, as they come from the kitchens of these families and from Chiarello. This is simply the best book ever on this very special and beautiful place...America's Tuscany.

The Perfect Big Coffee Table Book!
Frankly, this book cost more than I usually pay for a bottle of wine. If this book were a bottle of wine, I would buy a case of it and share it with my very best friends. After savoring this classy book the wine you experience will never be the same.

Even though Steven Rothfeld's photographs of the Napa Valley and Chef Michael Chiarello's gorgeous presentation of some outstanding cuisine are very pleasing to the eye, the most impressive thing about this book is the history of Napa Valley that unfolds between the photographs.

This book is a beautiful seminar on how amazing it is that you can actually buy so many good bottles of wine. Although I have been to Napa Valley on several occasions and have taken more than a few tours through the various wineries, I did not fully appreciate all that is involved in making a good vintage.

The history of this famous valley and the many trials and tribulations of the wine makers along with the fickle role of Nature that goes into that bottle of wine you just uncorked will make that first sip a lot more meaningful.

Just Wonderful
This book is an absolute delight. The sheer intimacy of the stories make you feel like an insider, and it provides an insight to the pioneering spirit that has created an industry. I was completely (and very pleasantly) unprepared for how much I enjoyed this book. It is truly a treasure.