For many people, wine is an anxiety-inducing mystery as arcane as quantum physics, and with so many varieties, it's difficult to know what to choose. As New York Times wine critic Eric Asimov argues, that puzzling uncertainty often prevents people from buying and ordering wine, depriving them of an exquisite, deeply satisfying experience. In How to Love Wine, Asimov examines why the American wine culture produces such feelings of anxiety and suggests how readers can overcome their fears and develop a sense of discovery and wonder as they explore the diversity and complexity of the world of wine. With warmth, candor, and intelligent authority, Asimov interweaves his professional knowledge and insights with engaging personal stories of his love affair with wine, a lifelong passion that began when he was a graduate student on a budget. In a direct, down-to-earth manner, Asimov discusses favorite vineyards, wine's singular personalities, the tyranny of tasting notes -those meaningless, over-written wine descriptions that often pass for criticism today-and current wine issues. Throughout, he incorporates in-depth discussions of beautiful wines, both easy to find and rare, and pays special attention to those that have been particularly meaningful to him. Thought-provoking and enjoyable, How to Love Wine will help diminish readers' anxiety, bolster their confidence, and transform them into true wine lovers.

The first definitive guide to contemporary French wines and producers in a deluxe two-book package, from a two-time James Beard Award winner.

This comprehensive and authoritative resource takes readers on a tour through every wine region of France, featuring some 800 producers and more than 7,000 wines, plus evocative photography and maps, as well as the incisive narrative and compelling storytelling that has earned Jon Bonné accolades and legions of fans in the wine world.

Packaged in a deluxe slip case and Built upon eight years of research, The New French Wine is a one-of-a-kind book set exploring the world’s most popular wine region. First, examine the land through a thoroughly reported narrative overview of each region—the soil and geography, the distinctive traditions and contemporary changes. Then turn to the second book, which is a comprehensive reference guide to the producers and their wines, similarly detailed by region.

From Burgundy to Bordeaux and everywhere in between, this is sure to be the resource on modern French wine for decades to come.

Anyone looking for delicious food and wine, stunning landscapes and a warm welcome will find Germany wine country truly delightful. Germany''s different regions have the largest hectarage of vines of any country in Europe. A Traveller's Wine Guide to Germany provides a basic introduction to German wine, from the vineyards to the cellars, with guidelines on what to expect when sampling it. It also takes the wine tourist on a journey through remote areas that are infrequently visited in order to taste the best of German wines. - Itineraries and maps - Local gastronomic specialties - Hundreds of visitor-friendly wineries - Descriptions of local and regional wines - Museums and sightseeing points - Lists of wine festivals and exhibitions - Restaurants, hotels and wine stores - Reference section, websites and glossary

In the recent years, Cava has taken the stage as Spain's star sparkling wine, not only thanks to its remarkable quality to price ratio, but also because more and more connoisseurs are recognizing its richness and complexity. This book offers a great overview of the Cava's origins, its elaboration, and its variety of tastes. You will learn all you need to know about the grapes, the traditional methods, as well as established and emerging premium Cava producers. Recipes of traditional Catalonian dishes that perfectly accompany a Cava dinner round off this concise, but very informative book.

This illustrated introduction to Chinese wine explores the history of wine production in China, the legends and customs that surround it and its place in China today. Traditionally, Chinese wine and spirits were made from grain, and had three important uses: to perform rituals, to dispel one's worries and to heal. Today, wine is still believed to have a therapeutic benefit, but the Chinese beverage industry has expanded on a large scale and now includes famous brands of beer and, increasingly, vineyards producing red and white wine for global consumption. Chinese Wine is indispensable reading for both wine-lovers and all those with an interest in the transition from traditional to modern Chinese culture.

Home winemaking is an appealing hobby for a new generation of wine lovers lured by the promise of a great payoff - small batches of handmade wine. It's the perfect opportunity to experiment with flavours, have fun playing with chemistry, and share a few tasty bottles with friends and family. But safely fermenting, bottling, and aging wine is a demanding process requiring special equipment, impeccable sanitation, an understanding of chemical reactions, and the patience to see the aging process through to the end. No matter how experienced the home winemaker, unforeseen questions develop with every batch of new wine. When a winemaker has problems with leaky corks or finds an oily film on top of his fermenting wine, what's the simplest, quickest way to get an answer? "The Wine Maker's Answer Book" is a 24 hour helpline with advice on hundreds of wine-making dilemmas. From the basic curiosity of the novice (What equipment will I need to get started?) to the finer points of fermentation (What is the impact of malolactic fermentation on acidity?), every step of the process is covered in detail. Author Alison Crowe uses a friendly question-and-answer format to explain the mysteries of turning grape juice into wine, whether the reader is beginning with fresh grapes or a home wine-making kit. To the straightforward requests for information, she offers detailed descriptions of procedures and equipment. For stickier real-life problems, she first carefully assesses the possible causes and then gives expert advice on fixing the trouble.

Broaden your palate and enhance your appreciation for gourmet flavor combinations withTasting Wine and Cheese. Is there anything better than a great wine and cheese pairing? You might enjoy a robust cabernet with the sharp, aged cheddar, or perhaps a crisp Sancerre with a tangy, creamy chevre. Based on the curriculum Adam Centamore developed teaching at Formaggio Kitchen and the Boston Wine School, Tasting Wine and Cheese guides you through the world of flavor pairing with an emphasis on understanding and developing your own palate. Maitre d 'Fromage Adam Centamore teaches you how to first taste wines and cheeses separately, allowing you to understand the complex profiles of reds, whites, aged, and fresh. But wading through these waters is only half the battle. Tasting Wine and Cheese takes you on a journey through pairings of cheeses with white, red, sparkling, and dessert wines. There is even a section to help you pair condiments with your wine and cheese. Whether you're looking to broaden your appreciation for gourmet combinations or simply looking for a menu to host a party, you'll find everything that you need in this comprehensive guide. "Adam Centamore is a master at making the perfect wine and cheese match. The interactive pairing workshop he teaches is one of our most popular Wine School classes ever." - Jonathan Alsop, founder & executive director of the Boston Wine School and author of Wine Lover's Devotional: 365 Days of Knowledge, Advice and Lore for the Ardent Aficionado "Wine and cheese pairings decoded! In Tasting Wine and Cheese, Adam employs the same approach in this book as he does his classes - comprehensive, fun and filled with practical information for anyone interested in the enjoyment of food. The result is a pairing of its own as both a solid primer and a worthwhile reference for your future wine and cheese pairing adventures." - Tim Bucciarelli - Manager, Formaggio Kitchen

- Now in its 26th edition, this is the definitive guide to Spanish wine. Each year a team of tasters travels to every wine-growing area of Spain to taste and review new varieties, labels and vintages, and this year's edition of the guide contains information on almost 11,000 new wines. Whatever your budget, this is the indispensible guide for those who want to discover the best of Spanish winePenin Guide to Spanish Wine 2016 is the most comprehensive and widely-read guide to Spanish wine, with ratings on almost 11,000 wines and information about 2,100 top wineries. This essential reference book includes the latest vintages and wines ready for release in 2016; visiting wineries across Spain and tasting a range of regional wines to suit all palettes and price tags, providing independent and informative evaluations, featuring a best-value wine index as an aid to purchasing in stores and restaurants.This fantastic compilation also explores wine-growing, taking into account regional environmental factors such as soil, climate and grape variety, whilst instructing readers on the basics of wine tasting, with advice on the best way to store and appreciate wine; this is an invaluable guide for both professionals and enthusiastic amateurs.Grupo Penin is the best-known and most influential authority on grapes and wine production in Spain. With over 25 editions, the Penin Guide is the most successful wine book on Spanish wines in the market. It has been awarded the Jury Special Prize for the best wine guide in the 2007 Gourmand Book Prizes .

Can't remember what wine your mum loves? Give her this book and she can try them all . . . The perfect gift for wine lovers and anyone looking to improve their understanding of the world of wine. A Fortnum & Mason Drink Book of the Year Red or white? Cabernet or Merlot? Medium or full-bodied? Drinking great wine isn't hard, but finding a great wine is much easier when you understand the fundamentals. Using visual infographics, charts and maps, the expert founders of Wine Folly have created the ultimate wine resource packed with countless facts, information and guidance. From tips on which glasses to use, and easy-to-grasp flavour wheels for each wine type, to simple tasting and food-pairing notes, Wine Folly is a fascinating modern and colourful guide. This accessible book will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to enjoy great wines in a whole new way.

Everything you need to know about buying, ordering, and serving wine! Enlarged and updated with information about the myriad changes enacted by the European Union over the last few years and their effect on member nations, newly flourishing wine-growing regions, enhanced coverage of vinicultural practices, and additional wine making terms, The New Wine Lover's Companion informs, advises, and enlightens readers with approximately 4,000 entries that describe wines produced all around the world. A veritable bible for wine novices, bartenders, and seasoned sommeliers, the A-to-Z entries describe grape varieties; wine styles; wine growing regions; wine making techniques; wine-tasting terms; sizes and styles of glassware, wine bottles and wine openers; optimal temperatures for serving different wines; and much more. The original edition of this book was hailed by Jurgen Gothe of the Vancouver Sun as "the best new wine book in more than a decade. . . " and this new edition is better than ever. One of the many qualities that has made The New Wine Lover's Companion so popular is its accessibility. No wine snobbery here. The author serves up solid information about vintages, varieties, and which wines pairs best with which food in a relaxed, conversational style that doesn't intimidate readers. Additional advice and information includes: Tips on buying wine Ordering wine in a restaurant Understanding the information on wine bottle labels Opening and serving wine at home How to store leftover wine...and much more Here is everything worth knowing about buying, storing, serving, and enjoying the world's most civilized beverage-wine! Includes extensive appendices, charts, a glossary, and a bibliography.

An essential reference guide to port, this book is recommended reading for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and other certification programmes. It describes the unique features of the Douro Valley, the cycle of work in the vineyards, historical production techniques and more recent innovations, and the role of the wine lodges where port matures before being shipped to its worldwide markets. Ben Howkins offers a concise history of port and the port trade as they have developed over the last 300 years. He covers important changes in recent ownership of the major shippers and highlights the people driving change in the industry while protecting port's heritage.

Learning about wine can be a daunting task. With terms like assemblage, batonnage and cuvee; ullage, terroir and vielles vignes, it's not surprising that many people are put off and simply reach for the nearest bottle of red or white in the supermarket aisle. This is the perfect, concise guide for anyone who loves wine but wants to find out more. Arranged in an easy-to-use format in which different types of wine are shown schematically on a map like the London Underground, the reader can see at a glance the salient features of hundreds of different wines and how they relate to each other in terms of taste. A unique and original tool to navigate the complex world of wine, The Pocket Guide to Wine enables wine lovers to find out more about the wines they already like and to make informed choices as they explore further.

An elegantly bound collection of fine wine writing past and present - the perfect gift for wine lovers everywhere (or the wine lovers in their life). With contributions from Michael Broadbent on good and bad vintages, Ian Maxwell Campbell on Bordeaux vs Burgundy, George Orwell and PG Wodehouse on the complementary pleasures of wine and tea, Randall Grahm on the search for California's 'magic grape' and Andrew Caillard MW on the art of the wine label, it brims with wit and wisdom from some of the most erudite wine writers ever to raise a glass. Also includes Steven Spurrier, Jason Tesauro, Jane MacQuitty, Giles MacDonogh, Philippe de Rothschild, Fiona Morrison MW, Dan Keeling, Charles Walter Berry and many more. Like Cyril Ray's classic Compleat Imbiber before it, In Vino Veritas might rightfully be described as 'the quintessential late-evening or bedtime book for those who like wine'. 'Denied wine's bridge to gregariousness, "cabined, cribbed, confined, bound in to saucy doubts and fears," as Macbeth once complained, we need an antidote, and rummaging around in this anthology of wine writing is a good one: It's a set of keys to open the windows and let some sun shine in.' - World of Fine Wine

A classic in its genre, An Omelette and a Glass of Wine compiles Elizabeth David's short pieces on food and wine. A bestseller when it was first published in 1984, much of David's finest writing featured in magazines and newspapers such as the Spectator, the Sunday Times and Harper's, and these pieces contain tantalizing glimpses of her very private life. An Omelette and a Glass of Wine is an exquisite collection that demonstrates the talent that made Elizabeth David the most celebrated food writer of her time. 'She has the intelligence, subtlety, sensuality, courage and creative force of the true artist' - Wine and Food Elizabeth David rejuvenated the British attitude towards home cookery and is still considered to be one of the greatest food writers ever. She wrote extensively on food and wine and her enthusiasm for European cooking encouraged a revolution of the British culinary scene. Her books have remained influential since her death in 1992. This final compilation has been put together by her literary executor, Jill Norman.

Steven Jenkins is our foremost cheese authority--in the words of The New York Times, "a Broadway impresario whose hit is food." Now, after years of importing cheeses, scouring the cheese-producing areas of the world, and setting up cheese counters at gourmet food shops, he's decided to write it all down. Full of passion, knowledge, and an expert's considered opinions the cheese primer tells you everything you need to know about the hundreds of cheeses that have, in the last few years, become available in this country. Region-by-region, he covers all the major cheeses from France, Italy, Switzerland--the top tier of cheese-producing countries--plus the best of Britain, Ireland, Spain, the United States, Austria, Germany, and other countries. Along the way he tells how to pick out a healthy Pont l'Eveque; why to reconsider the noble Fontina for more than just cooking; how to avoid those factory-made chevres; why to seek out the sublime Vacherin Mont d'Or; and how to start exploring--Bleu de Bresse, Cabrales, Crottin de Chavignol, and so on. A complete primer, it includes information on the best ways to store and serve cheese, including which wines to serve alongside them; how to orchestrate a proper cheese course; and the unimportable cheeses to look up when abroad.

Richard Betts is one of fewer than two hundred master sommeliers in the world, but he's no wine snob and he hates wine-speak. In the first book of its kind, he helps readers scratch and sniff their way to expertise by introducing the basic components of wine--the fruits, the wood, the earth--enabling anyone to discover the difference between a Syrah and a Sangiovese and get the glass they love every time. Humorously illustrated, with 16 scents, this irresistible gift puts the fun back in wine fundamentals.

Wine Notes is the perfect companion for wine lovers. In Parts 1 and 2, distinguished wine writers offer expert advice on all aspects of choosing, storing and enjoying wine - from planning your cellar to food and wine matching. In Parts 3 and 4 there is plenty of space for you to record thoughts of your own and organize your collection: from wines you have tasted and enjoyed, recommendations from friends and lists of bottles that you are laying down for a special occasion in the future. Whether you are a keen collector or simply like to keep a record of what wines you have enjoyed with everyday meals, this journal provides the perfect place to store your knowledge.

In this unique study of wine through the ages, journalist and World War I frontline reporter, Hubert Warner Allen (1881-1968) casts an observant eye over the way wine appears in literature, from the words of the Roman connoisseurs to the excesses of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales heroes, taking in the debatable wisdom of the 18th-century epicurean Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin and the sagacity of the legendary Edwardian wine-writer, George Saintsbury - and many more. Warner Allen's observations are both fascinating and highly entertaining. As Harry Eyres, who introduces this book, says: "Literary, historical, discursive, personal: this is very much the opposite of modern wine writing, and presents another era seen through a glass darkly." The Classic Editions breathe new life into some of the finest wine-related titles written in the English language over the last 150 years. Although these books are very much products of their time - a time when the world of fine wine was confined mostly to the frontiers of France and the Iberian Peninsula and a First Growth Bordeaux or Grand Cru Burgundy wouldn't be beyond the average purse - together they recapture a world of convivial, enthusiastic amateurs and larger-than-life characters whose love of fine vintages mirrored that of life itself.

Adventures with Old Vines offers an engaging and knowledgeable guide to demystify wine for novice enthusiasts. Richard Chilton provides detailed information about buying and storing wine, how to read a wine list, the role of the sommelier, wine fraud, how wine is really made, and how weather patterns can influence the quality of a vintage. A vineyard owner and lifelong wine lover, the author encourages readers to discover wine by tasting, taking notes, and tasting again. The book also includes a richly illustrated, full-color reference section on a select group of vineyards from all over the world, describing their history, winemaking philosophy, terroir, and top vintages-what Chilton calls benchmark wines. The characteristics of these memorable wines provide the essential starting point to understand what to look for when evaluating any wine. Equipped with this easy-to-read reference, readers will have all the tools they need to begin their own wine journey.

A New York Times Best Wine Book of 2021 A Washington Post Best Wine Book of 2021 Named one of the Best Wine Books of 2021 by Henry Jeffreys, timatkin.com South of Somewhere begins and ends in American writer Robert Camuto's maternal ancestral town of Vico Equense, Italy-a tiny paradise south of Naples on the Sorrento Peninsula. It was here in 1968, at ten years old, that the author first tasted Italian life, spending his own summer of love surrounded by relatives at the family's seaside pizzeria and restaurant. He fell in love with a way of living and with the rhythms, flavors, and aromas of the Southern Mediterranean. Fifty years later, Camuto returns to Vico, connecting with family members and a new generation. A lot has changed: the old family restaurant has been razed and the seaside has been developed with hotels and restaurants, including a famous two-Michelin-starred restaurant in a medieval tower now owned by a younger cousin. Though there are more foreign visitors, the essentials of beauty, food, family bonds, and simplicity have not changed. And here Camuto finds hope that this way of life can continue. Camuto's fine-grained storytelling in this series of portraits takes us beyond the usual objective views of viniculture nto the elusive and magical world of Italian "South-ness." While on one level able to create an instructive narrative about Southern Italy's twenty-first-century wine and cultural renaissance, Camuto's unswerving eye juxtaposes the good and the bad-immeasurable beauty and persistent blight, anti-mafia forces and corruption, hope for the future and fatalism-in a land that remains an infinite source of fascination and sensory pleasure. Watch book trailer #1. Watch book trailer #2. Watch book trailer #3.

"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 Appetit. 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 Appetit 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

There is no other wine that is as versatile, as utterly unique in its range and production methods--and, unfortunately, as misunderstood--as sherry. For centuries, sherry was considered one of the world's great wines, spoken about in the same reverential terms as the finest Bordeaux and Burgundies. But in the last few decades, sherry lost its way--and cheap, cloyingly sweet blends sullied the reputation of what remains one of Spain's oldest and greatest winemaking traditions.
Thankfully, sherry is in the midst of a renaissance. Beloved of sommeliers and bartenders in the craft cocktail community, today sherry is being re-discovered and re-appreciated as an incredible table wine "and "essential component of many classic cocktails.
"Sherry "is essential reading for wine or spirits professionals looking to incorporate this complex wine into their menu, and for adventurous drink enthusiasts who are on the hunt for something unexpected. With a comprehensive yet accessible overview of the different styles of sherry, how they are made, and the people and places that produce it, "Sherry "demystifies what can be a confusing (and seemingly contradictory) wine. A thorough buyer's guide lists top producers and profiles the very best bodegas and wines.
Finally, a whole chapter on sherry-based cocktails illuminates a completely different side of sherry, featuring classic recipes like the Tuxedo and Sherry Cobbler, as well as modern creations from the country's top bartenders (Jim Meehan's East India Negroni, Derek Brown's Kojo Cocktail). More than a dozen recipes for tapas and other delicious foods--best eaten alongside a glass of sherry, of course--round out this wonderfully eclectic, engaging, and inspiring collection.

The first cookbook to be written and published by a black chef, this volume provides a glimpse into a bygone world. Born a slave in 1857, Rufus Estes became one of Chicago's finest chefs -- working his way up from a Pullman Private Car attendant to a job preparing meals for the top brass at one of the country's largest steel corporations. While the heart of the book lies in mouth-watering recipes for such dishes as Creole-style chicken gumbo, chestnut stuffing with truffles, and cherry dumplings, the author also comments briefly on his Southern childhood.