We take enormous pride in this definitive book about the Paso Robles
AVA, and hope that you'll enjoy reading it.
We look forward to doing business with you. Please read some of the recent statements about our book:
"Wine lovers must read this book"
by Kathy Marcks Hardesty
"SLO New Times" magazine, January 3, 2008.
"Unlike most guide books to San Luis Obispo
wine country now available in tasting rooms and book stores, Paso Robles: An American Terroir was written for people truly
passionate about wine, whether professionals or collectors. The authors--Thomas J. Rice, Ph.D., and Tracy G. Cervellone C.W.E.--provide
an outstanding compendium about soils, vines, wines, and the interesting characters who made Paso Robles the outstanding,
high-quality wine growing region it is today.
Rice provides detailed explanations of the various soils and climates
of Paso Robles' prime wine growing regions (usually referred to as American Viticultural Areas, AVAs, or the French appellations).
But don't let the book's university level of detail scare you off. It's a great resource for the wine aficionado who doesn't
plan to grow grapevines, but does want to better understand this ultimately fascinating beverage.
The truth is,
I can't imagine any vineyard manager or winemaker who's involved in vineyard decisions not owning this book as a resource.
This isn't just for Paso Roblans either--the appendices address winegrape growing applicable internationally. From Appendix
A, a case study on the soil survey report for Carmody McKnight in the Adelaida Hills district of Paso Robles, Rice's information
would help anyone who plans to grow winegrapes.
For consumers, the tasting room guide provides details about
the winemaking style of many artisans like Steve Goldman of Stephen's Cellar on York Mountain. The authors provide details
of Goldman and his father's pioneering work for the York Mountain AVA, though it appears as one of Paso's newer brands. Another
great story is Chateau Margene, which owner and winemaker Michael Mooney modestly describes as a micro-property with his 6-acre
vineyard devoted to Bordeaux varietals. Is it any wonder that so many aspiring winemakers are drawn by the qualities of Paso
Robles' wines? This excellent guide is available at SLO County winery tasting rooms or online at www.pasoterroir.com.
Contact New Times' Cuisine columnist at khardesty@newtimesslo.com."
Accolade from an Earth Scientist
by Ronald D. Taskey, Ph.D.
Soil
scientist, educator, and drinker of good wines
"If
you equate fine California wines with Napa Valley, you’re right—maybe half the time. But California is a huge
grape-growing, wine-making, wine-drinking state—and way south of Napa, the Paso Robles region produces some of the State’s
finest reds and whites.
The best way to learn about Paso Robles is to go there. Enjoy the wines and soak up the ambiance. Of course
you’ll also want a guide book, especially one that’s informative and easy on the eyes, and from which even the
locals can learn something.
"Paso Robles: An American Terroir" was written by two people who know what they’re
talking about. Pick up their book, and let Dr. Tom Rice and Tracy Cervellone show you around about 70 Paso Robles vineyards
and wineries. You’ll meet the owners and winemakers, learn a bit of their backgrounds and philosophies, and most importantly
be introduced to the fine wines each is producing.
But that’s
only half of it. You’ll also learn about the two major reasons why Paso Robles is such a great wine grape region: its
soils and its climate. From the geology, the topography, and the climate come the soils. And from the soils, the climate,
and good management come the grapes that a skilled wine maker turns into a noble beverage. This is what terroir is all about,
and "Paso Robles: An American Terroir" will tell you all about it."
“Books for the Learned”
by Dave King; proprietor, Vista Del Rey
Vineyards
Vista Del Rey Vineyards, Winter 2007 newsletter
“…The authors, Dr. Thomas J.
Rice and Tracy G. Cervellone, have written an outstanding treatise on the Paso Robles appellation. The book goes way beyond
a coffee table decoration. Dr. Rice, a Cal Poly soils professor, has penned a comprehensive treatise on the area’s soils
and their formation, geology, and relationship to our groundwater basin and groundwater hydrology, usage and issues. Tracy’s
contribution takes the form of informative, breezy and personal discussions of 71 Paso area wineries… The book is generously
interspersed with color photos, well-explained diagrams, charts and schematics.
This
book is the most professional and well-documented book on any appellation (that) I have read in my over 20 years of wine industry
experience. It’s a steal at $25 and makes a great gift for any wine aficionado.”