Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
Stephen V. Bittner, "Whites and Reds: A History of Wine in the Lands of Tsar and Commissar" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Stephen V. Bittner, "Whites and Reds: A History of Wine in the Lands of Tsar and Commissar" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Stephen V. Bittner, "Whites and Reds: A History of Wine in the Lands of Tsar and Commissar" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Thursday 1st July 2021
Join Stephen V. Bittner as he unravels the history of winemaking in Russia, from Tsarist roots to Soviet-era struggles.
58 minutes
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Marshall Poe
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Get the buttons here!Whites and Reds: Unraveling Russia's Vinicultural Journey with Stephen V. Bittner
The consumption of wine is a byproduct of imperialism in the way that many Russians experienced imperialism in the big cities of the north was through the consumption of wine.
Imagine tracing the history of a nation through its wine. In this episode of 'New Books in Drugs, Addiction and Recovery', host Marshall Poe sits down with Stephen V. Bittner, a history professor at Sonoma State University, to discuss his fascinating book, *Whites and Reds: A History of Wine in the Lands of Tsar and Commissar* (Oxford UP, 2021).
Bittner takes listeners on a journey that starts in the early-seventeenth century, when Russia first embraced viniculture, championed by Peter the Great. The story unfolds with the annexation of the wine-rich regions of Georgia, Crimea, and Moldova, showcasing how these areas became pivotal to Russia's wine narrative. Bittner doesn't shy away from the darker chapters either. He explores how Stalinist terror and Gorbachev's anti-alcohol campaign left indelible marks on the industry.
You'll hear about the struggles with phylloxera, a pest that devastated vineyards, and the unique concept of terroir in Russia. Bittner even shares some surprising tasting notes from Soviet-era wines, painting a vivid picture of a bygone era. Whether you're a history buff, a wine enthusiast, or someone interested in the cultural impacts of alcohol, this episode offers a rich tapestry of stories and insights.
It's a deep dive into how wine has been intertwined with Russia's political and cultural fabric for centuries.