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Вино For Dummies
Ентусиасти по вина и новаци, вдигнете чаши! Книга № 1 за вината е обновена!
Ако сте експерти, „Вино For Dummies“ ще ви запознае с последните тенденции и ще ви помогне да пренесете вашето хоби на следващото ниво. Ако сте новаци, книгата ще ви въведе в това какво сте изпускали и ще ви покаже как да навлезете в чудесния свят на виното.
От книгата ще научите:
- основни неща за виното - открийте кои сортове грозде се използват за направата на вино, основните типове вино, как се именуват вината и как правилно да ги вкусвате;
- излейте сърцето си - открийте как да пазарувате за вино, да разшифровате винените листи в ресторантите, да премахвате онези упорити коркови тапи и да съчетавате вина с храни;
- посещение на стария континент - направете обиколка из основните винарски райони на Европа: Франция, Италия, Испания, Португалия, Германия, Австрия и Гърция;
- запознайте се с новостите - приключения в Австралия, Нова Зеландия, Чили, Аржентина и Южна Африка; после разгледайте и основните винарски райони в САЩ;
- станете страстни почитатели на виното - разберете как да описвате и оценявате вина, да ги съхранявате правилното и да преследвате вашата любов към виното.
Отворете книгата и открийте:
- Как да разшифровате криптираните етикети на бутилките вино?
- Практична информация как да съчетавате вино с храна?
- Как да отваряте, аерирате и съхранявате вина?
- Къде да получите добри оферти за страхотни вина?
- Съвети за избирането на вина, които ще удовлетворят небцето ви.
- Как да вкусвате и оценявате вина като професионалисти?
- Обяснения на прост език на винарските термини
Ако сте експерти, „Вино For Dummies“ ще ви запознае с последните тенденции и ще ви помогне да пренесете вашето хоби на следващото ниво. Ако сте новаци, книгата ще ви въведе в това какво сте изпускали и ще ви покаже как да навлезете в чудесния свят на виното.
От книгата ще научите:
- основни неща за виното - открийте кои сортове грозде се използват за направата на вино, основните типове вино, как се именуват вината и как правилно да ги вкусвате;
- излейте сърцето си - открийте как да пазарувате за вино, да разшифровате винените листи в ресторантите, да премахвате онези упорити коркови тапи и да съчетавате вина с храни;
- посещение на стария континент - направете обиколка из основните винарски райони на Европа: Франция, Италия, Испания, Португалия, Германия, Австрия и Гърция;
- запознайте се с новостите - приключения в Австралия, Нова Зеландия, Чили, Аржентина и Южна Африка; после разгледайте и основните винарски райони в САЩ;
- станете страстни почитатели на виното - разберете как да описвате и оценявате вина, да ги съхранявате правилното и да преследвате вашата любов към виното.
Отворете книгата и открийте:
- Как да разшифровате криптираните етикети на бутилките вино?
- Практична информация как да съчетавате вино с храна?
- Как да отваряте, аерирате и съхранявате вина?
- Къде да получите добри оферти за страхотни вина?
- Съвети за избирането на вина, които ще удовлетворят небцето ви.
- Как да вкусвате и оценявате вина като професионалисти?
- Обяснения на прост език на винарските термини
470 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
247 people are currently reading
1081 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
January 27, 2018
A good comprehensive guide, liked the humor, and the narrator was easy to listen to. Learned that there actually is a reason to sniff, swirl, and let wines breathe. If not for this guide, I would've dumped out a whole bottle Precipice Pinot Noir after the first sip. It tasted so much better after an hour of letting it breathe. Also learned a lot about champagne that I didn't know, like how "sparkling wine" IS champagne that's not produced in Champagne, France. I thought they were different. Mind blown.
I probably would've absorbed more if I'd read the book, since I learn better by sight than sound, but it was a great use of my time while I cleaned house in the morning and got ready for my day. Now 'm excited to drag my husband out for wine tastings! Woohoo!
I probably would've absorbed more if I'd read the book, since I learn better by sight than sound, but it was a great use of my time while I cleaned house in the morning and got ready for my day. Now 'm excited to drag my husband out for wine tastings! Woohoo!
February 5, 2015
Overall this is a good book, worthy of a four star review. The reason for my two star review is because of Chapter 7, Confronting a Restaurant Wine List. This is the one chapter that obviously is written by people who don't have experience in the area they are talking about and didn't bother to consult with people who do before making some bold assumptions. This chapter is full of misinformation, negative assumptions, and directions on how to conduct yourself in a restaurant that if followed, make for a less enjoyable dining experience. In short, this chapter tells you to be infuriated by a lot of things that are just standard restaurant protocol.
I have worked in fine dining restaurants as a server and captain for many years. Ordering wine at a restaurant and talking shop with the server or sommelier once you have some wine knowledge is a fun part of the experience for all who are involved. It is a shame that this book has the potential to ruin that for its readers by putting a negative spin on a lot of things that are just normal happenings with restaurant wine lists and dinner service. So I'm going to quickly address some of the points:
1. It starts by saying that it is infuriating that wine lists sometimes only tell you the name and price and that sometimes they won't have the wine you ordered in stock that night. Well, if a wine list with 500 bottles had an extra two lines describing each bottle, the list would be so overwhelming and take forever to get through. You could have 50 Cabernets in a row that all say "Notes of chocolate, leather, cassis and tannins". You're going to judge the wine by the familiarity with the producer, vintage, region and questions you ask your server.
The wine you ordered could be a bottle that customers rarely order, but randomly the previous night a large party ordered all the bottles in house and the restaurant had to place an order and wait 3 business days to get more. It happens no matter how nice and on top of things a restaurant is. It's not because they don't care, forgot to place an order, or just didn't bother to update the wine list, as the book suggests.
2. They also tell you to ask your server how long the bottle of wine has been opened if you decide to do wine by the glass. They say that no wine is fresh enough to serve the next day. Well, in reality all decent restaurants keep track of when their bottles were opened and gas their wines at night or have them hooked up to machines that air seal the wine. If it tastes old, you can ask your server about it. But don't automatically ask every single time you order a glass of wine. That's just tacky and a good way to kill rapport early on in the dining experience. If you do ask, ask them to check with the bartender on when the bottle was opened. Don't just expect them to know the exact time that all 22 wines by the glass were opened.
3. This chapter also tells you to be upset if only one wine list is presented to the table and demand more because that is an "outmoded convention". Wine lists are big books that restaurants don't have as many of as they do menus. Usually even though a discussion happens, one person decides on the bottle. The server isn't trying to be sexist or old-fashioned. You can ask for another list, but don't waste energy being negative over something that isn't insulting. You'll be annoyed every time you go out to eat before you even get water service if you expect your server to automatically assume everyone needs a copy of the wine list.
4. "Be aware of low to high pricing". This part tells you to be insulted by a wine list that presents the wines in ascending order from lowest to highest price. They say this is done to make you feel guilty and buy more expensive wine further down the list. That is a ridiculous assumption that has 0% base in reality. It's simply not true. People have a price range and a varietal in mind when they walk in. It makes it so much easier for them to look at different wines in their range right next to each other than to be flipping back and forth between pages trying to remember the wines in the same price range.
5. Wine prices versus retail. When you're going out to a nice restaurant, if you sit there and price out how much potatoes cost at Safeway versus your baked potato, a bottle of Absolut versus your two martinis, etc., you'll drive yourself crazy and not enjoy your meal. Yes, restaurants have higher price margins on their wine and liquor, but that is how the business model works, period. Keeping a restaurant profitable is very difficult and they're not doing it to gouge customers.
6. Wine service. There is a section that actually is called "Wine List Power Struggles". It tells you that servers often don't give you enough time before they come back to the table. You need to stand your ground and don't let the server bully you into making a hasty choice. Well, the server comes back to the table after a few minutes to see if you have any questions and then gives you more time. They don't do it to pressure you. Once again, this book is dangerously planting an idea in it's readers minds that could make a dining experience go south from the beginning. If servers always gave every guest 10 minutes to look at the wine list, they would have a lot more customers upset over slow service than they would happy guests who appreciate the extra time to look over the list. If you always expect 10 minutes of uninterrupted time and feel pressured if the server returns after a few minutes, you'll always be disappointed. But it's just standard service.
This part also encourages being insulted if women are poured first and if the server tries to refill your glasses instead of letting you pour yourself. If that really is something that bothers you, not just because you read it in the book, then politely tell your server you like to pour for yourself once the bottle is open. But don't wait for him/her to try and then act insulted because they tried to do something that is standard restaurant protocol.
Other than this chapter, it's a great book for touching the surface on all the basic aspects of wine knowledge. They just dropped the ball in the restaurant chapter.
I have worked in fine dining restaurants as a server and captain for many years. Ordering wine at a restaurant and talking shop with the server or sommelier once you have some wine knowledge is a fun part of the experience for all who are involved. It is a shame that this book has the potential to ruin that for its readers by putting a negative spin on a lot of things that are just normal happenings with restaurant wine lists and dinner service. So I'm going to quickly address some of the points:
1. It starts by saying that it is infuriating that wine lists sometimes only tell you the name and price and that sometimes they won't have the wine you ordered in stock that night. Well, if a wine list with 500 bottles had an extra two lines describing each bottle, the list would be so overwhelming and take forever to get through. You could have 50 Cabernets in a row that all say "Notes of chocolate, leather, cassis and tannins". You're going to judge the wine by the familiarity with the producer, vintage, region and questions you ask your server.
The wine you ordered could be a bottle that customers rarely order, but randomly the previous night a large party ordered all the bottles in house and the restaurant had to place an order and wait 3 business days to get more. It happens no matter how nice and on top of things a restaurant is. It's not because they don't care, forgot to place an order, or just didn't bother to update the wine list, as the book suggests.
2. They also tell you to ask your server how long the bottle of wine has been opened if you decide to do wine by the glass. They say that no wine is fresh enough to serve the next day. Well, in reality all decent restaurants keep track of when their bottles were opened and gas their wines at night or have them hooked up to machines that air seal the wine. If it tastes old, you can ask your server about it. But don't automatically ask every single time you order a glass of wine. That's just tacky and a good way to kill rapport early on in the dining experience. If you do ask, ask them to check with the bartender on when the bottle was opened. Don't just expect them to know the exact time that all 22 wines by the glass were opened.
3. This chapter also tells you to be upset if only one wine list is presented to the table and demand more because that is an "outmoded convention". Wine lists are big books that restaurants don't have as many of as they do menus. Usually even though a discussion happens, one person decides on the bottle. The server isn't trying to be sexist or old-fashioned. You can ask for another list, but don't waste energy being negative over something that isn't insulting. You'll be annoyed every time you go out to eat before you even get water service if you expect your server to automatically assume everyone needs a copy of the wine list.
4. "Be aware of low to high pricing". This part tells you to be insulted by a wine list that presents the wines in ascending order from lowest to highest price. They say this is done to make you feel guilty and buy more expensive wine further down the list. That is a ridiculous assumption that has 0% base in reality. It's simply not true. People have a price range and a varietal in mind when they walk in. It makes it so much easier for them to look at different wines in their range right next to each other than to be flipping back and forth between pages trying to remember the wines in the same price range.
5. Wine prices versus retail. When you're going out to a nice restaurant, if you sit there and price out how much potatoes cost at Safeway versus your baked potato, a bottle of Absolut versus your two martinis, etc., you'll drive yourself crazy and not enjoy your meal. Yes, restaurants have higher price margins on their wine and liquor, but that is how the business model works, period. Keeping a restaurant profitable is very difficult and they're not doing it to gouge customers.
6. Wine service. There is a section that actually is called "Wine List Power Struggles". It tells you that servers often don't give you enough time before they come back to the table. You need to stand your ground and don't let the server bully you into making a hasty choice. Well, the server comes back to the table after a few minutes to see if you have any questions and then gives you more time. They don't do it to pressure you. Once again, this book is dangerously planting an idea in it's readers minds that could make a dining experience go south from the beginning. If servers always gave every guest 10 minutes to look at the wine list, they would have a lot more customers upset over slow service than they would happy guests who appreciate the extra time to look over the list. If you always expect 10 minutes of uninterrupted time and feel pressured if the server returns after a few minutes, you'll always be disappointed. But it's just standard service.
This part also encourages being insulted if women are poured first and if the server tries to refill your glasses instead of letting you pour yourself. If that really is something that bothers you, not just because you read it in the book, then politely tell your server you like to pour for yourself once the bottle is open. But don't wait for him/her to try and then act insulted because they tried to do something that is standard restaurant protocol.
Other than this chapter, it's a great book for touching the surface on all the basic aspects of wine knowledge. They just dropped the ball in the restaurant chapter.
April 29, 2018
Esto de disfruta el vino es todo un arte.
Ame este libo que me lleno de cultura sin esperarlo y que me enseña el arte que viven los enologoz en su ardua labor, el vino no tiene truco, ni reglas, solo tenemos que aprender a disfrutar el vino en cada momento.
Ame este libo que me lleno de cultura sin esperarlo y que me enseña el arte que viven los enologoz en su ardua labor, el vino no tiene truco, ni reglas, solo tenemos que aprender a disfrutar el vino en cada momento.
January 31, 2023
Very informative, even if you already know stuff about wine.
Want to read
January 8, 2019[Book rec. from R. Sterling in "How to Eat around the world"]
July 23, 2013
Wine for Dummies is a great book for both the experienced and novice wine drinker. The Introduction goes through how the book is organized and which parts of the book should be read, depending on what the reader is interested in. Pretty much every aspect of wine is covered -grape varieties, how wine is made and regulated in various countries, how to read a wine label or restaurant wine list, and much more. The really technical information is labeled as such and can easily be skipped.
I liked that the tone of the book was very conversational and not at all pretentious. The authors actually have a sense of humor about wine and seemed to make an effort to make wine less intimidating for the reader. This will be a book that I refer to often and has me more interested in wine than ever. Before this book, I had a few brands that I stuck to but now I'm looking forward to trying new and different wines. I didn't realize how many choices there are out there. That's one hazard of reading this book - I was craving wine the whole time I was reading!
I liked that the tone of the book was very conversational and not at all pretentious. The authors actually have a sense of humor about wine and seemed to make an effort to make wine less intimidating for the reader. This will be a book that I refer to often and has me more interested in wine than ever. Before this book, I had a few brands that I stuck to but now I'm looking forward to trying new and different wines. I didn't realize how many choices there are out there. That's one hazard of reading this book - I was craving wine the whole time I was reading!
January 11, 2025
Me gustó el estilo de los autores: una pareja conformada por enóloga y profesor de catas. Son simpáticos y se regodean en las delicias de la subjetividad. Saben de lo que están hablando y lo dimensionan sin exageraciones. Puede funcionar como un libro de consulta. Da hambre y muchas ganas de beber. Me habría gustado leer una versión más reciente.
September 26, 2012
"I only drink Champagne when I'm happy, and when I'm sad. Sometimes I drink it when I'm alone. When I have company I consider it obligatory. I trifle with it if I am not hungry and drink it when I am. Otherwise I never touch it - unless I'm thirsty." - Madame Lily Bollinger
April 1, 2020
I am now prepared to read and understand a wine list, and order a glass of (Italian) wine that I will enjoy. In a way, this feels like it's just the beginning, but I know I can never be a wine snob.
August 25, 2025
Learned a lot
February 13, 2017
Packed with good information. Will make a better as need-to-know resource rather than sit down and read cover to cover.
February 16, 2013
The "For Dummies" series has been an intriguing enterprise. The use of the term "Dummies" could be considered offputting--yet the series has obviously done well, as more and more volumes are developed. I have found many of the books useful to me. And this is another in that group.
I know enough about wine to get by. This volume, though, adds a context to my knowledge of wine that I appreciate. The purpose is presented at the outset (Page 1): "We want you and everyone else to enjoy wine. . .--regardless of your experience or your budget."
The first chapter is titled "Wine 101," and it provides the background to understands wine better. It covers issues such as how wine is made, the difference between reds and whites (and "blushes" or pinks), and such. Chapter 2 talks about the language and experience of wine. It concludes with a nice distinction between good wines and bad wines--with a claim that few wines are really bad anymore. Chapter 3 addresses the variety of grapes that help define a wine (a subject that can confuse)--pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot grigio. Chapter 4? "The wine name game" starts the chapter off. Also, there is a section that helps understand the label on the bottle. Etc.
Other features: a country by country, region by region analysis of wines. There is, of course, an analysis of French, Italian, German, and American wines. Also, a nice discussion of South American winemaking. There is also a chapter on champagne. The book concludes by looking at answers to ten questions about wine (e.g., What's the best wine?) and addresses what the book considers to be 10 myths about wine (e.g., Old wines are good wines).
All in all, a well written book that is a good read. And a helpful tutor for those who want to know more about wine.
I know enough about wine to get by. This volume, though, adds a context to my knowledge of wine that I appreciate. The purpose is presented at the outset (Page 1): "We want you and everyone else to enjoy wine. . .--regardless of your experience or your budget."
The first chapter is titled "Wine 101," and it provides the background to understands wine better. It covers issues such as how wine is made, the difference between reds and whites (and "blushes" or pinks), and such. Chapter 2 talks about the language and experience of wine. It concludes with a nice distinction between good wines and bad wines--with a claim that few wines are really bad anymore. Chapter 3 addresses the variety of grapes that help define a wine (a subject that can confuse)--pinot noir, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, and pinot grigio. Chapter 4? "The wine name game" starts the chapter off. Also, there is a section that helps understand the label on the bottle. Etc.
Other features: a country by country, region by region analysis of wines. There is, of course, an analysis of French, Italian, German, and American wines. Also, a nice discussion of South American winemaking. There is also a chapter on champagne. The book concludes by looking at answers to ten questions about wine (e.g., What's the best wine?) and addresses what the book considers to be 10 myths about wine (e.g., Old wines are good wines).
All in all, a well written book that is a good read. And a helpful tutor for those who want to know more about wine.
September 22, 2012
This is a brief introduction to wine for people who normally drink beer, from what glass to use to how to describe flavors this book will help you fake knowledge about wine. Made for the American market for American wine drinkers with only a nod to the most famous European wines, the focus is on Californian wines and Oregon (Really, Oregon? I had no idea they made wine in Oregon). This book will appeal to anyone looking to appear knowledgeable about wine.
We listened to the book while driving from one degustation to the next in Burgundy, and there was little mention of wines from this area. There were some entertaining points, but I think the best way to learn about wine is to talk to people who love wine and drink a little while you are listening to them. Another disappointment was the narrow focus on Champagne while fully ignoring all other sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava.
I did end up giving it three stars because I truly enjoyed the section about the American obsession with grape varieties, which, by the way, is ruining the French wine industry. Our favorite winemaker in Provence has been blending wines for generations to create a uniquely drinkable wine, has started producing a Merlot for export. Why? Because American consumers believe that certain grapes are better than others.
Like you would forsake Granny Smiths the rest of your life, eating only Gala apples? You would not do that! Admit it. So, I was genuinely happy when this chapter concluded that if you are hooked on a grape type you don’t get it, go back to your beer. Which is what we have been mumbling about for years, or at least every time I hear someone order a “Char”.
Egads.
We listened to the book while driving from one degustation to the next in Burgundy, and there was little mention of wines from this area. There were some entertaining points, but I think the best way to learn about wine is to talk to people who love wine and drink a little while you are listening to them. Another disappointment was the narrow focus on Champagne while fully ignoring all other sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava.
I did end up giving it three stars because I truly enjoyed the section about the American obsession with grape varieties, which, by the way, is ruining the French wine industry. Our favorite winemaker in Provence has been blending wines for generations to create a uniquely drinkable wine, has started producing a Merlot for export. Why? Because American consumers believe that certain grapes are better than others.
Like you would forsake Granny Smiths the rest of your life, eating only Gala apples? You would not do that! Admit it. So, I was genuinely happy when this chapter concluded that if you are hooked on a grape type you don’t get it, go back to your beer. Which is what we have been mumbling about for years, or at least every time I hear someone order a “Char”.
Egads.
March 5, 2024
Volete iniziare a capire qualcosa sul vino? Siete completamente a corto di informazioni su come si produce il vino, che differenza c’è tra vigneti e vitigni? Sapete già qualcosa ma volete approfondire? Questo sicuramente è il vino che fa per voi.
Di solito mi avvicino a questo tipo di libri quando ho veramente necessità di conoscere o semplicemente approfondire delle nozioni su un determinato argomento e finora devo dire che mi hanno aiutata tanto.
Sul vino partivo veramente da un livello rasoterra. Mio marito è un grande appassionato, ha fatto i tre livelli da sommelier ma io non bevo praticamente nulla. Per un probabile futuro lavorativo ho la necessità di entrare in qualche modo in questo immenso universo che è il mondo dei vini, ma partendo da zero avevo la necessità di qualcuno che in modo molto semplice e chiaro riuscisse a spiegarmi e a far comprendere quello che per me è un universo parallelo (non mangio neanche l’uva perché non mi piace). Sta di fatto che con questo libro sono riuscita ad avere un infarinatura complessiva di come si produce e delle varie diversità.
Siamo partiti dalla produzione, i metodi, i vitigni, le differenze di regione e cosa si coltiva in Italia, per poi passare ai paesi europei, e a quello che viene definito il Nuovo Mondo con le loro produzioni e le differenze. Sono stati visti spumanti e champagne, e i liquori. Per finire i metodi per acquistare e conservare il vino, agli abbinamenti con il cibo.
Consiglio vivamente questo libro a tutti coloro che vogliano entrare a conoscere questo mondo. Anche mio marito ritiene che vengano date tante informazioni.
Di solito mi avvicino a questo tipo di libri quando ho veramente necessità di conoscere o semplicemente approfondire delle nozioni su un determinato argomento e finora devo dire che mi hanno aiutata tanto.
Sul vino partivo veramente da un livello rasoterra. Mio marito è un grande appassionato, ha fatto i tre livelli da sommelier ma io non bevo praticamente nulla. Per un probabile futuro lavorativo ho la necessità di entrare in qualche modo in questo immenso universo che è il mondo dei vini, ma partendo da zero avevo la necessità di qualcuno che in modo molto semplice e chiaro riuscisse a spiegarmi e a far comprendere quello che per me è un universo parallelo (non mangio neanche l’uva perché non mi piace). Sta di fatto che con questo libro sono riuscita ad avere un infarinatura complessiva di come si produce e delle varie diversità.
Siamo partiti dalla produzione, i metodi, i vitigni, le differenze di regione e cosa si coltiva in Italia, per poi passare ai paesi europei, e a quello che viene definito il Nuovo Mondo con le loro produzioni e le differenze. Sono stati visti spumanti e champagne, e i liquori. Per finire i metodi per acquistare e conservare il vino, agli abbinamenti con il cibo.
Consiglio vivamente questo libro a tutti coloro che vogliano entrare a conoscere questo mondo. Anche mio marito ritiene che vengano date tante informazioni.
February 13, 2012
Wein für Dummies eignet sich sehr gut als erster Einstieg in das Thema Wein. Die wichtigsten Begriffe werden erläutert, und es gibt viele praktische Tips zum Thema Wein auswählen, kaufen, probieren, und lagern, sowie Hintergrundinformationen zu Rebsorten und Weinherstellung. Die wichtigsten Weinbaugebiete der Welt werden vorgestellt, teilweise mit vielen Details zu einzelnen Rebsorten und Produzenten. Zum Teil wirkt das Buch etwas unausgewogen; Frankreich und Kalifornien werden ausführlich präsentiert, aber Osteuropa und Griechenland mit keiner Silbe erwähnt. Manche Begriffe werden für deutsche Verhältnisse nicht passend dargestellt. So wird "Tafelwein" als Begriff für alle Weine verwendet, die man zum Essen trinken kann; "Landwein" als Stufe zwischen "Qualitätswein" und "Tafelwein" wird gar nicht erwähnt. Ebensowenig kommt das Wort "Sekt" in dem Buch vor, es ist nur von "Champagner" und "Schaumwein" die Rede. Schade, daß nur der Champagner ausführlich behandelt wird, während andere hervorragende Schaumweine (Sekt, Cava, Cremant) kaum erwähnt werden. Dafür ist das Kapitel über Sherry sehr informativ und gut recherchiert. Das Buch ist unterhaltsam geschrieben und läßt sich flott lesen, jedoch stört die insgesamt schlechte Übersetzung und zahlreiche Übersetzungsfehler.
March 9, 2024
I’ll be honest, I haven’t quite read this cover-to-cover; yet I’ve read most of the passages that were of the greatest interest to me. I also plan to keep it on hand for some time and reference it as needed. Thus, I think it’s appropriate to go ahead and log it now.
This was one of many books in my grandfather’s collection that I got when he passed a few years ago. I picked it up on a whim over the break; my curiosity in wine quickly grew. Maybe I’m just drawn to pretentious and expensive hobbies, I don’t know.
Given that this copy was published in 1995, I wound up disregarding much of the information on pricing. There are probably a handful of other things that are outdated in it. Generally speaking, though, it provided a great overview of the different grape varieties, wine producing regions, best storage and consumption practices, and whatever other myriad of wine-related tips and information.
McCarthy and Ewing-Mulligan write in a manner that is informative, personable, and often amusing. They have produced an introduction to the world of wine that is approachable and entertaining. I’d recommend giving it a look to anyone interested.
This was one of many books in my grandfather’s collection that I got when he passed a few years ago. I picked it up on a whim over the break; my curiosity in wine quickly grew. Maybe I’m just drawn to pretentious and expensive hobbies, I don’t know.
Given that this copy was published in 1995, I wound up disregarding much of the information on pricing. There are probably a handful of other things that are outdated in it. Generally speaking, though, it provided a great overview of the different grape varieties, wine producing regions, best storage and consumption practices, and whatever other myriad of wine-related tips and information.
McCarthy and Ewing-Mulligan write in a manner that is informative, personable, and often amusing. They have produced an introduction to the world of wine that is approachable and entertaining. I’d recommend giving it a look to anyone interested.
December 2, 2016
This is a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about wines and wine terminology. I learned some interesting things and this book explains things clearly and succinctly.
The one thing I realized while reading this is that I actually don't care that much. There are other things in the world that are much more interesting to me.
The one thing I realized while reading this is that I actually don't care that much. There are other things in the world that are much more interesting to me.
March 30, 2019
Gerade die ersten ca 100 Seiten sind ziemlich interessant, auch wenn man nicht total besessen von dem Thema ist.
Der Rest des Buches ist aber eine endlose Aufzählung von Sorten und Anbaugebieten und dafür bin ich einfach nicht interessiert genug.
Wie alle Bücher der Reihe ist es humorvoll und locker geschrieben.
Der Rest des Buches ist aber eine endlose Aufzählung von Sorten und Anbaugebieten und dafür bin ich einfach nicht interessiert genug.
Wie alle Bücher der Reihe ist es humorvoll und locker geschrieben.
October 3, 2015
I read this fascinating book during my wine drinking phase.
February 9, 2021
I've reached this book because of Kevin Zraly's book "Windows of the world". That was my first book related to wines.
Comparing to Windows of the world, Wine for dummies is written less formal. There are loads of funny adegdotes about tasting and combining with meals. Zraly have focused on US wines. It's disappointing for me, because it's relatively young wine market, without many tradition and wine culture. McCarthy have focused on the most famous regions i.e. France, Spain and Italy.
Author explains well the majority of terms related to wine.
In the end - I had a lot of fun reading it! I honestly recommend this book!
Comparing to Windows of the world, Wine for dummies is written less formal. There are loads of funny adegdotes about tasting and combining with meals. Zraly have focused on US wines. It's disappointing for me, because it's relatively young wine market, without many tradition and wine culture. McCarthy have focused on the most famous regions i.e. France, Spain and Italy.
Author explains well the majority of terms related to wine.
In the end - I had a lot of fun reading it! I honestly recommend this book!
May 17, 2025
Много добре написана и структурирана книга, подходяща за всеки, който харесва вино, но никога досега не е задълбавал в детайлите.
Обаче преводът… ох, преводът! Буквално махам две звезди заради него – на места надали може да разбереш изречението, ако не си го преведеш обратно на английски. Един и същ сорт е изписан по три различни начина на различни места. Френските наименования доста очевидно не са съгласувани с някой, който може да каже как да се изпише фонетично произношението на дадени места и сортове, а не просто да се транскирибират директно латински букви.
Препоръката ми: прочетете я, но на английски.
Обаче преводът… ох, преводът! Буквално махам две звезди заради него – на места надали може да разбереш изречението, ако не си го преведеш обратно на английски. Един и същ сорт е изписан по три различни начина на различни места. Френските наименования доста очевидно не са съгласувани с някой, който може да каже как да се изпише фонетично произношението на дадени места и сортове, а не просто да се транскирибират директно латински букви.
Препоръката ми: прочетете я, но на английски.
October 13, 2017
My dad got this book for me as a joke because he knows how much I love my wine. lol I actually ended up reading it and glad I did. I have an even greater appreciation for wine... there is so much to know! It is really easy to read, and I especially liked learning about the different types of wine made all over the world. There is something in here for every level, whether you're a novice or a connoisseur.
November 29, 2018
As a wine producer it is important for me not only to know about the type of wines I produce, but also to have knowledge about other wine making regions.
This book delivers great content; easy to read, sometimes funny, and like the title suggest, for dummies.
If you are slightly interested in knowing about regions and some other curiosities about winemaking, this is a good read.
This book delivers great content; easy to read, sometimes funny, and like the title suggest, for dummies.
If you are slightly interested in knowing about regions and some other curiosities about winemaking, this is a good read.
December 21, 2019
Δεν είχα πιάσει ποτέ στα χέρια μου ένα τέτοιο εγχειρίδιο κι ήθελα να δω τι περιέχει.
Πραγματικά για αρχάριους του κρασιού, κυρίως Αμερικανούς (ναι, είμαι ρατσίστρια).
Στην Ιταλία που είμαι, νομίζω αν θα το πάρει κανά παιδάκι του δημοτικού, πάντως θέλω να είμαι αντικειμενική, έχουν κάνει σωστή δουλειά.
Πραγματικά για αρχάριους του κρασιού, κυρίως Αμερικανούς (ναι, είμαι ρατσίστρια).
Στην Ιταλία που είμαι, νομίζω αν θα το πάρει κανά παιδάκι του δημοτικού, πάντως θέλω να είμαι αντικειμενική, έχουν κάνει σωστή δουλειά.
November 21, 2022
Ще си призная, че много рядко нехудожествена литература ме е очаровала по този начин. Много добре написана, с чувство за хумор и същевременно пълна с информация. Ч��тенето беше истинско удоволствие. Мога да кажа, че ако човек има нужда да обогати знанията си в областта на виното, то спокойно може да започне с тази книга и да надгражда с други четива.
October 25, 2018
I read this when I started to get serious about wines and it was great. Easy to read, interesting, and very enjoyable. My favorite thing was learning all the correct pronunciations... nobody wants to be that person at a fancy wine gathering!
June 1, 2019
Although I'm not that much into wine, being it the theory of it or simply drinking it; I enjoyed reading this book and I actually remembered quite a number of facts so my friends now turn to me and ask what wine to buy.
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September 2, 2019There aren’t many audiobooks about wine available at my library, but I still felt like a learned a few things about wine through this book. A good starting place so I can start looking for more specific books.
November 10, 2022
Nunca pensé que leería esto. Nunca me interesó el alcohol y el mundo del vino me parece un tanto pretencioso, pero el libro en sí estuvo ameno de leer y los más importante muy informativo. Lo que uno llega a leer por trabajo.
June 30, 2017
Clear cut wine insight & practical advise.
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