Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley [Hardcover]

Michael Chiarello (Author), Steven Rothfeld (Photographer), Janet Fletcher (Collaborator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2001

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.

Editorial Reviews

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, a California native and Napa resident for 20 years, is an acclaimed chef and winemaker, TV personality, and the author of the best-selling The Vigne Cookbook, At Home with Michael Chiarello and Michael Chiarello's Casual Cooking. Janet Fletcher is staff food writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Steven Rothfeld is a well-known photographer who specialises in travel and food photography. His books include Bringing Tuscany Home, Entrez, Irish Dreams, French Dreams, and Italian Dreams.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori & Chang; 1st edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584791160
• ISBN-13: 978-1584791164
• Product Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.7 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,641 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real Napa, August 29, 2001

By 

"[e-mail]" (Orinda, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley (Hardcover)

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.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Perfect Big Coffee Table Book!, November 13, 2002

By 

Tom Herren - See all my reviews

This review is from: Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley (Hardcover)

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.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Wonderful, October 15, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Napa Stories: Profiles, Reflections, and Recipes from the Napa Valley (Hardcover)

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.