Name/Title
LetterEntry/Object ID
Q2022.21.220Scope and Content
A copy of a seven-page letter on onion skin paper, from Wilbur P. McDonald, M. D., to Gary L. Bertrand, Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri, dated September 13, 1974. The letters COPY in red ink are down the left hand side of each page.Context
Dear Mr. Bertrand:
Your letter to me of August 22, 1974 was like a breath of fresh air. Thank God someone with sufficient authority, and in the right position is beginning to recognize that Viticulture could be a major industry in Missouri. . . . . . . At the present, due to our archaic Prohibition Laws, Missouri is about 40 years behind times.
I am happy that Art Gaus is interested enough to set up a short term program to test some promising grape varieties. . . an afternoon . . in my vineyard, . . hybrids and other grapes I was growing. . . he did not seem too interested.
Probably the best way to start such a project would be to make a controlled temperature, sun-light time study . . . . . the University of California at Davis have made such studies . . . and there would be articles available . . . Small areas with micro - or mini - climates make all the difference in the world to some grape varieties.
The membership directory of the American Society of Enologists does not list your name. You should apply for membership. . . . . Write to Mrs. Margaret Howarth, . . .
Dr. Konstantin Frank . . . is probably more knowledgeable about growing vinifera east of the rockies . . . he was kind enough to send me cuttings . . . all of which did not survive the second year. . . I have become more proficient in grafting, and . . caring for grapes, . . . , you should obtain his spray schedule . . . for viniferas.
How in the world can I express. . . Gosh..I don't know where to start.
About 18 years ago last spring I planted 4 vines each of (15 varieties) . . . most of them winter killed. . . . Small batches of wines were made, all definitely foxey. I then began to grow some French Hybrids. . . . . . . . I planted 10 vines each in order to try a to obtain a 5 gallon varietal batch of wine from each variety. . . . . I only needed 60 lbs. . . for a 5 gallon batch.
. . . , I thought maybe I had better make peace with the Fed's and get legal. I . . filled out Form 1541 " Declaration of Intent to Produce Wine for Family Use" . . . (I was) informed . . that I was in violation of the (Missouri) State Law. . . . . . . . . . I then called to their attention that Mr. . . . (of) St. Charles, Missouri held a domestic wine license and produced wine. . . . I was finally granted the #2 license for domestic production of wine. . . .
By 1967 . . . I had grown and fruited the follow grapes: (38 varieties and information on each take up 3 pages of the letter)
About 1961 I made the acquaintance of Mr. Erwin Abmeyer. . . Boeh Fruit Testing Experimental Station, . . for the Kansas State University, Department of Agriculture.. . . . he taught me a lot concerning pruning, grape disease, . . . We have come to compare our varieties, and our experience . . . in two different settings . . . At times his grapes have supplemented mine . . . and I have made numerous batches. . . . none have turned out to be of any particular merit. . . . the best white wine I have been able to make is . . . The best red wine is the . . . it is difficult to place them in order. . .
. . . . I tried tom disguise the faults of my wine with carbonation. . I experimented with the champagne process. . . . I have not been successful, but it was fun. . . . it is disheartening after 2 years of turning the bottles to find the carbonation insufficient. . . . .
This yearI have been able to make six 5 gallon batches of wine, the first . . . . . . the fermentation was good, and the water seal was placed on the carboy on the 28th of August.
My second batch of wine, . . . . .
The third 5 gallon was made from . . . . and would only be suitable for a pink sparkling wine where its skunkiness could be disguised.
The fourth batch . . . .
The fifth batch consisted of . . . .
The sixth and last batch was made of . . . . I think there are sufficient grapes remaining on the vines to make another 5 gallon batch. . . . . .
Enough of this diatribe of wine. Again I say I don't know how to convey to you all my pleasures, and my disappointments, in the past 18 years of enological experimentation here in Northwest Missouri. You'll just have to come set in my cellar, and taste how lousy the wine really is.
SincerelyLexicon
Nomenclature 4.0
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Dimension Notes
8.5" x 11"
