So You Think You Know California Wines? (2016)
Title | So You Think You Know California Wines? (2016) PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 81 |
Release | 2016-05-15 |
Genre | Cooking |
ISBN |
“So You Think You Know California Wines?” is designed to simplify your understanding by identifying growing trends, grape descriptions and the history of California wine production. The edition profiles the 27 top wine grapes and principal growing regions. The 81-page edition is idea for wine collectors, winemakers and anyone who appreciates a world class California vintage. The following are just fourteen from hundreds of little known facts about California wines and the 2015 grape harvest. 1. Of California’s 3.7 million tons of wine grapes harvested in 2015, the Central Valley growing region raised 73% and 70% of the white wine grapes. California grows 17% more red wine grapes than white. In 1976, the red grape ratio was two to one over whites. 2. The Napa Valley accounted for only 4.5% of the red wine grapes and 2% of the white. The Sonoma/Marin region accounted for 5% of the red and 4.7% of the white wine grapes. 3. The average value of Napa red wine grapes is over 10 1/2 times and for white grapes, 6 1/2 times more than the Central Valley. Sonoma/Marin’s regional red grapes are valued over 6 1/2 times and for white grapes, 5 1/2 times more. 4. The California drought had a negligible effect on the Central Valley’s 2015 grape yields, as production nearly equaled their 2014 figures. 5.Wine grape production yields declined dramatically in the Napa Valley (-29.4%), Sonoma/Marin (-28.8%). Central Coast (-28.8%) and Monterey Valley regions (-37.8%). 6.. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most lucratively priced wine grape in California and the second most cultivated. Napa Valley grape growers concentrated 59% of their red grape production into Cabernet Sauvignon. Its value is 14 times the Central Valley equivalent. Yields declined 23-37% in the premium wine regions. 7. During the 1976 harvest, Chardonnay represented less than 2% of California’s white wine grape production. In the 2015 harvest, Chardonnay was the state’s largest grown grape accounting for 38% of the white wine grapes and over 16% of the overall harvest production. 2105 yields were down 25-32% throughout premium wine regions. 8. Juice Valuation is the elemental cost of grape juice contained in a bottle of wine excluding any related post-harvest production expenses, financing costs, marketing expenses and/or retail mark-up. The 2015 juice price on a bottle of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon was $8.42, Zinfandel ($4.71), Merlot ($4.35), Pinot Noir ($3.76) and Chardonnay ($3.60). Within the Central Valley region, the comparable juice prices average between 40 and 75 cents per bottle. 9. During the 2015 harvest, the wine grapes that experienced the greatest production increase from 2014 included Symphony, Barbera, Rubired, Pinot Gris, Muscat of Alexandria, Burger and Petite Sirah. 10. During the 2015 harvest, the wine grapes that experienced the greatest production decrease from 2014 included Muscat Blanc, Triplett Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Viognier, Grenache, Chenin Blanc and Syrah. 11. Real Estate property values are the number one price determinant in the valuation of a grape’s price. Elevated land values in Napa and Sonoma County directly reflect the significantly appreciated grape values. 12. Two of over thirty hybrid grapes introduced by University of California, Davis viticulturist Dr. Harold Olmo account for 17% of the overall red wine grape production. 13. During the 1976 harvest, six of the most popular California grapes were Carignan, Grenache, Barbera, Ruby Cabernet, French Colombard and Chenin Blanc. Today only Rubired and French Colombard ranks in the top ten and both are used for blending or bulk wines. 14. Production statistics become significant because planting decisions cannot be immediately adjusted. Grapevines require three years after planting before yielding fruit and have an average lifespan of 27 years. Many vines are replaced afterwards due to declining production yields and financial depreciation considerations.
So You Think You Know Washington State Wines? (2016-17)
Title | So You Think You Know Washington State Wines? (2016-17) PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 62 |
Release | 2016-08-27 |
Genre | Cooking |
ISBN |
“So You Think You Know Washington State Wines?” is designed to simplify your understanding by identifying growing trends, grape descriptions and the history of Washington wine production. The edition profiles the 15 top wine grapes and the unique aspects of the state’s growing sectors. The 62-page edition is idea for wine collectors, winemakers and anyone who appreciates a world class Washington vintage. The following are just seventeen from hundreds of little known facts about Washington wines and the 2015 grape harvest. 1. Washington is the second largest producer of premium table wine in the United States behind California. Washington’s harvest comparatively represents only 6% of the overall California production levels. 2. Washington’s red grape varietals harvested 112.8 thousand tons in 2015. The closest California equivalent was the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County. 3. The State of Washington harvested 222 thousand tons of wine grapes during the 2015 harvest, down 2.2% overall from the previous year. The deficit was attributed to the excessive heat conditions and a reduced Cascade Mountain snowpack. 4. Red varietal grapes account for 51% of the total production and actually increased yields by 5% during the 2015 harvest. 5. Cabernet Sauvignon was the top-producing grape during 2015 with 47,400 tons, representing 21% of the overall harvest. Cabernet Sauvignon had the largest growth rate. 6. White Riesling was the top white wine and second most overall produced grape with 44,100 tons, accounting for 20% of the total. Washington produces more White Riesling than any other state. 7. Chardonnay was the third most produced grape with 42,000 tons, Merlot fourth with 35,200 tons and Syrah fifth with 16,000 tons. 8. Grenache Noir is the most lucratively priced wine grape in Washington and sold for $1,722 per ton. Cabernet Sauvignon averaged $1,527 per ton, an increase of 5.5% from 2014. Cabernet Sauvignon sells in the Napa Valley in excess of $6,000 per ton. 9. The growing regions of San Luis Obispo County, Yakima Valley and Walla Walla Valley share numerous similarities. Their topographies feature expansive arid flatlands surrounded by hilly terrain. Each region has a long historical agricultural tradition. 10. Top-tiered Washington vineyards have commanded pricing between $75,000-$80,000 per acre. Large established vineyards have been documented to sell for $25,000-$30,000 and bare unplanted terrain often averages $10,000-$15,000 per acre. 11. Washington has 14 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) recognized and defined by the United States Treasury Department. Seven have only been established within the last ten years and three stretch across the Oregon border. 12. The primary growth advantage Washington offers over neighboring Oregon is the capacity to expand wine grape cultivation. Washington has twice as much plantable acreage available. 13. Today, 98% of the wine grapes grown are east of the Cascade Mountains. In 1970, there were only ten official wineries in all of Washington. By 2000, that figure had expanded to 163 and by 2010, more than 700 wineries. Currently it is estimated that there are over 900 wineries. 14. The two largest Washington growing regions, the Yakima and Walla Walla Valleys share the topography of a desert landscape and the tributary waters of the Columbia River branching out via the Yakima and Walla Walla Rivers. 15. The Walla Walla Valley averages approximately the same annual rainfall levels as the Napa Valley (21 inches). The Yakima Valley received even less rainfall (8 inches), but is supplemented by a snowfall level of 23 inches. 16. The Yakima Valley profits from the accumulating rains and snows of Mount Ranier and Mount Adams, part of the Cascade Mountain Range. The melting Spring snowpack results in substantial volumes of water that are channeled into the region and directed by canals and aqueducts into the agricultural basins and hillsides.
Wine. All the Time.
Title | Wine. All the Time. PDF eBook |
Author | Marissa A. Ross |
Publisher | Penguin |
Pages | 306 |
Release | 2017-06-27 |
Genre | Cooking |
ISBN | 0399574174 |
“Can I just be Marissa, please? I want to be hilarious and sexy and smart and insanely knowledgeable about wine.” —Mindy Kaling A fresh, fun, and unpretentious guide to wine from Marissa A. Ross, official wine columnist for Bon Appétit. Does the thought of having to buy wine for a dinner party stress you out? Is your go-to strategy to pick the bottle with the coolest label? Are you tired of choosing pairings based on your wallet, instead of your palate? Fear not! Bon Appétit wine columnist and Wine. All The Time. blogger Marissa A. Ross is here to help. In this utterly accessible yet comprehensive guide to wine, Ross will walk you through the ins and outs of wine culture. Told in her signature comedic voice, with personal anecdotes woven in among its lessons, Wine. All the Time. will teach you to sip confidently, and make you laugh as you're doing it. In Wine. All The Time., you’ll learn how to: • Describe what you’re drinking, and recognize your preferences • Find the best bottle for you budget and occasion • Read and understand what’s written on a wine label • Make the perfect pairings between what you’re drinking and what you’re eating • Throw the best damn dinner party your guests will ever attend • And much more
So You Think You Know Pacific Coast Wines? (2017-18)
Title | So You Think You Know Pacific Coast Wines? (2017-18) PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 112 |
Release | 2017-04-05 |
Genre | Cooking |
ISBN |
“So You Think You Know Pacific Coast Wines?” is designed to simplify your understanding by identifying growing trends, grape descriptions, the histories and future direction of the California, Washington and Oregon wine industry. This book concisely profiles each state’s leading growing regions, rainfall statistics and prominent grapes based on the most recent available harvest data. The 2017-18 edition is ideal for wine collectors, winemakers and anyone who appreciates a world class Pacific Coast grown vintage. The following facts are just ten from hundreds of little known essentials included in the book: 1. California is the top producing state, Washington second and Oregon fourth (behind New York) in American wine grape production. California harvested 4 million tons and Washington 270 thousand tons during the 2016 harvest. Oregon harvested 84.9 tons during the 2015 harvest. Washington’s harvest is only 6.7% and Oregon’s 2.1% of California’s overall production. 2. Cabernet Sauvignon is California’s second most popular and second highest priced red wine grape. It is Washington’s most popular and fifth highest priced. The average Napa Valley grown grape is priced between five and fifteen times more than competing states and regions within California. Napa grown Cabernet Sauvignon traditionally sells out before picking even commences. 3. California increased wine grape production by 8.1% and Washington by 21.6% during 2016. Both harvests established new state records. 4. California has 4,200+, Washington 900+, and Oregon 700+ wineries. California has seventeen designated growing regions. Washington has fourteen and Oregon five. 5. With Washington’s red grape harvest at 157.3 thousand tons, the closest California equivalent is the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County growing region (164 thousand tons). The growing regions of San Luis Obispo County, Yakima Valley and Walla Walla Valley share numerous similarities. Their topographies feature expansive arid flatlands surrounded by hilly terrain. Each region has a long historical agricultural tradition. 6. Pinot Noir is Oregon’s largest harvested grape accounting for 59.7% of the state’s wine grape production and is the second highest priced. It is California’s sixth most popular and sixteenth highest priced red wine grape. 7. Oregon’s wine grape production (84,9 thousand tons in 2015) most closely compares with the Mendocino County growing region of California (77,9 thousand tons in 2016). 8. Chardonnay is California’s largest harvested grape accounting for 38% of the white wine grapes and 16.8% of the state’s overall yield. It is the twenty-fourth highest priced white wine grape. It is Washington’s third largest wine grape, most popular white wine grape, and the second highest priced. It is Oregon’s third largest produced, second highest white wine grape and second highest priced. 9. California’s wines were considered the equal to European’s elite vintages in 1890. Following the phylloxera pest and Prohibition, the state would not regain their global reputation until the mid-1970s. Washington’s international reputation began during the 1990s and Oregon’s during the 1980s. 10. Real Estate valuation remains the most important financial consideration influencing the value of varietal grapes. Top-tiered Washington vineyards have commanded pricing between $75,000-$80,000 per acre. Large established vineyards have been documented to sell for $25,000-$30,000 and bare unplanted terrain often averages $10,000-$15,000 per acre. In Napa County, secondary vineyard lands begin at $90,000-$165,000 an acre. Prime vineyards range between $225,000-$300,000 and upwards per acre.
Shadowlands
Title | Shadowlands PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 155 |
Release | 2017-11-21 |
Genre | Photography |
ISBN |
Shadowlands is a photographic concept edition accentuating contours, silhouettes and dominant color compositions of 150 photographic images. Many of the images are recognizable icons and landmarks. They are transformed into graphic arts appearance by employing photo imaging software. The accompanying shadows create a foreboding and often sinister impression. The result is a glimpse into the unconscious white space that frames and lightens photography. Photographer Marques Vickers has assembled a diverse portfolio of internationally compiled images. Their reverse lighting reinvents the impression, often upsetting our conventional interpretation of their substance and matter. The effect mirrors the surrealists’ notion of superficially unseen structures that open the portal for interpretative meanings. Imagery is enabled to transcend precise and simplistic definition.
The Red-Light District of Butte Montana
Title | The Red-Light District of Butte Montana PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 159 |
Release | 2017-06-20 |
Genre | Social Science |
ISBN |
This edition is an intimate photo examination of the infamous Butte, Montana sex trade once nationally recognized during the late 19th and early 20th century. Over 135 current photographs document the remnants of the famed copper mining town’s prostitution core. The work details historical anecdotes, narratives on colorful personages and perspective on an era when prostitution was locally institutionalized. The remaining Dumas Brothel is a profiled parlor house noteworthy for its operational longevity between 1890-1982. The Dumas is the longest tenured American house of prostitution. The property weathered numerous reform movements and attempts towards forced closure by governmental authorities. Owner tax evasion ultimately shuttered the property. Across the road is the Blue Range Building, the last street-facing example of the lowest extremity of prostitution once employed within the district. The seven sets of ground floor doors and adjacent windows housed segregated cubicles called cribs. Diminutive cribs accommodated only a single bed and an occasional washbasin. Lower esteemed prostitutes serviced clients from these utilitarian spaces. Butte’s prostitution industry reinforced a rigid hierarchy of distinguishing elite mistresses for the affluent and influential, from lowly street solicitors. The lifestyle of sex professionals was plagued by drug addiction, financial debt, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, abortion, violence and abuse by their patrons and jealousy-motivated clients. Suicide was common even amongst the highest regarded women within such a cannibalistic environment, During the turn of the twentieth century, Butte was one of the largest Rocky Mountain population centers. Its licentious reputation mirrored contemporary Las Vegas. Unlike many western frontier settlements, cowboy culture made minimal intrusion. Butte’s red-light district is a haunting environment with a complex past.
Herron Island, Washington
Title | Herron Island, Washington PDF eBook |
Author | Marques Vickers |
Publisher | Marquis Publishing |
Pages | 152 |
Release | 2017-05-06 |
Genre | Travel |
ISBN |
Marques Vickers’ “Herron Island, Washington” is a photographic survey showcasing the diminutive island with a land area of 300 acres and population of 150. Located along the Case Inlet of Southern Puget Sound, the island’s dimensions are estimated at one and a quarter miles in length by one half mile in width. Vickers’ nearly 150 images capture the prominent north and south coastline beaches, interior residential terrain and roundtrip ferry transfers from the mainland peninsula. The island is abundant with deer, eagles, seals, seagulls, Pacific geoducks (large clams), beach, flora, fauna and spectacular views of the Puget Sound straits. Despite Herron Island’s luster, safety and tranquility, it remains virtually unknown to western Washington residents and beyond. Herron Island was initially discovered in 1792 as part of Lieutenant Peter Puget’s expedition, under the command of Captain George Vancouver. The original landing party was greeted with inhospitable weather conditions and the island remained unoccupied for nearly fifty years. An American naval exploration party led by Lieutenant Charles Wilkes re-explored and re-charted Puget Sound including the island in 1841. The island’s name was changed from Wednesday Island to Herron Island in recognition of one of Wilkes' crew members. Little background has been documented about Seamon Herron. Another century passed with reportedly only a sole caretaker habitant. The island was privately purchased during the 1950s. Herron Island was incorporated on April 30, 1958 as a non-profit, non-stock Washington Corporation composed of the owners and purchasers of island property. Buildable lots were partitioned and resold for development. The island is currently self-sustaining and does not receive local, state or federal funding. Over the decades, the interior has been graded and roads connect the island throughout. A community building, fire station and water system has been established for residents. Access to the island is available exclusively via a daily operating ferry and limited by invitation only from an island resident most of the year. The crossing requires approximately ten minutes to the mainland dock.