American Wine: The Ultimate Companion to the Wines and Wineries of the United States

This comprehensive reference tome from Robinson (The Oxford Companion to Wine) and James Beard award-winner Murphy provides oenophiles with an exhaustive and wildly informative survey of the current state of the American winemaking industry. They open with a fascinating account of grape cultivation from mid-1500s Florida, chronicling the evolution of the American wine industry through Prohibition to the present day, highlighting all 50 states along the way. That said, the contents reflect the industry's lopsided nature: California takes up nearly half of the book, followed by Washington and Oregon, with ample attention paid to New York. The duo's coverage includes immersive studies of even the most minor regions and profiles of notable winemakers, with recommendations for varietals and vintners worth seeking out. Asides and anecdotes, such as the French influence on Washington wines or the accidental history of white zinfandel, make the book eminently skimmable, but those with merely a passing interest in wine will find themselves sucked in to this expansive, readable tome that lives up to its titular promise. Approachable enough for the novice but insightful enough for the aficionado, this is one worth looking into. Color photos & maps. (Mar.)