Sparkling Wine for Modern Times: A Drinker's Guide to the Freewheeling World of Bubbles

by Zachary Sussman, Editors of Punch

This is the definitive guide to sparkling wine today, complete with profiles of exemplary producers, bottle recommendations, colorful infographics, and illustrated guides.

Sparkling Wine for Modern Times considers sparkling wine traditions and offerings from around the world. This approachable book explores our perpetual fascination with sparkling wine and places each regional expression within the wider wine zeitgeist—from the radical grower revolution reshaping the highly conservative area of Champagne to Prosecco's overnight transformation into a multi-million-dollar brand to the retro appeal of natural wine's cult-hit pétillant naturel to the next generation of "real wines" from Lambrusco, and beyond.

The book covers the essential information for each growing region and highlights up-and-coming areas such as Jura in France, as well as can't-miss trends including traditional-method Sicilian sparklers and Califorinian pét-nat. For each region, renowned wine writer Zachary Sussman gives expert bottle recommendations to seek out—wines that truly capture the style and spirit of the place. Fun and informative illustrated timelines, color charts, and production-method breakdowns from illustrator Nick Hensley appear throughout for quick learning. For anyone who's ever wondered why bubbles are confined to birthdays and holidays, Sparkling Wine for Modern Times is your go-to guide to enjoying sparkling wine all year long.

Genres: Wine

192 pages, Hardcover

Published November 23, 2021

Reviews

[Lauren]

great for beginner/intermediate wine-interested individuals

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a great primer book for someone looking to understand the different regions revolutionizing and/or preserving the tradition of sparkling wine.

I found myself skipping the author's recommendation not because I did not trust him to veer me in the right direction but because taste is so subjective and I would rather experience those regions and explore them within its expression of his main point: the importance of terroir in sparkling wine.

[Shari Suarez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very informative book about the different types of sparkling wine. We all know about Champagne and Prosecco but what about Cava and Lambrusco? Did you know that sparkling wine is even being produced in Vermont?
A fun guide to the different types of sparkling wine and a guide to the best bottles of each type.

[Aasinathena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a revelation !

[Miguel MC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clarifying book about sparkling wines and styles around the world

[Les Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and informative. Not a super deep dive, and all the recommendations about specific cuvee's might not stand the test of time, especially for the experimental / natural wine / pet-nat stuff.