Angels' Visits: An Inquiry into the Mystery of Zinfandel

The author explores the obscure history of Zinfandel wines, describing the ascension of California's "mystery grape" to a product worthy of worldwide attention, and relates many of his own wine-making experiences

"The roundness and depth of Zinfandel--it's sheer joy," comments Darlington ( In Condor Country ) on his favorite potent potable, but it would seem that the solution to the "mystery" of the wine's character and origins is angelically elusive in this delightful book. The author leaves no grape leaf unturned in his search: he tours wineries, cellars and vineyards, attends tastings and harvestings, interviews experts--and does it all with such insouciance that we're drawn in by his fascination. Zinfandel, a "racy, spicy" variety most at home in the sun-drenched soil of Sonoma and Napa, Calif., has enjoyed a career rather like an old-time screen idol. After overcoming inauspicious beginnings it has won undreamed-of popularity, most recently in the palates of baby boomers. Combining the enologist ' s "magnificent obsession" in making wine with the connoisseur's prodigious joy in drinking it, Darlington has produced a book as satisfying as a well-balanced vignoble.i.e., a high-quality wine/mm
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The clever title refers to an 1888 quotation citing the superiority of the best zinfandels over other varietals, but noting that the best zins are "like angels' visits, few and far between." Principally a series of stories about the author's experiences working in and around some of the premium California wineries, this book profiles many of the contemporary zin growers and wine makers. It also pursues the history of the vines and individuals connected with bringing zinfandel to this country and making it popular. Containing a great many interesting observations about wine-making philosophies, personalities, and processes, and a few too many mundane, irrelevant details, this casual, easy reading will interest primarily serious wine historians and zinfandel devotees. For larger wine collections.
- Carolyn Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Fort Ord, Cal.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.