Malbec - A Tumultuous Wine Journey from Woe to WOW

by Vanda Jackson

Love wine? If so, this new release is a must-read. Learn how this popular Argentine varietal almost didn't exist. Take away lots of stories for your next wine tasting event or social gathering.

The story of Argentine Malbec is an intriguing one. It is a tale with many twists and turns and fascinating characters over the centuries, from its ancient roots to its present-day stardom. In this book, you will travel back in time to learn where Malbec first started to grow and how this popular varietal wine has faced oblivion numerous times over its long history.

Its 21st century flourishing in Argentina’s Mendoza wine region is down to a series of coincidences and influence from a cast of fascinating characters. Are you ready for an extraordinary saga full of heroes and villains, tragedy and fortune, big-name wineries, and boutique innovators?

This book is perfect for

◆ wine lovers, wine enthusiasts, and wine geeks with a thirst for wine knowledge and great wine stories

◆ those who love to travel, have visited Mendoza, Argentina, or would love to

◆ anyone who loves Malbec wine and wants to learn more about it

◆ those planning or attending a Malbec-themed wine tasting event or dinner

◆ anyone looking for a gift for a wine lover

◆ those who love wine tours and wine tasting

Genres: History, Self Help, Nonfiction

Audiobook

First published March 30, 2021

Reviews

[Lana Shupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband is the red wine drinker in this family. I prefer white. What I appreciated about this book was the obvious enthusiasm the author has for the beverage. This book is well researched, entertaining and a really great read because the author has done her homework - which I am sure she enjoyed! lol
I certainly learned a great deal about the lowly grapes journey from woe to wow.
Great book for serious wine aficionados and newbies to the wine world. A companion for any red wine lover and for anyone who just wants to learn more about their favourite drink.

[Sarah Butland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that must be paired with a fine wine as it's package is complete with historical moments, passion and determination, Malbec packs a persistence punch with tales of growing grapes in Argentina, perfecting soil and preventing devastation.

The writing itself was as beautiful as the deep reds and flavour bursting long lasting taste of the wine itself, it would have done nicely with a touch more editing.

It will age just as well as the wine itself, and should be talked about and appreciated for years on any wine drinkers shelf.

[Wendy McGean · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read about the history of Malbec and Argentina. And the author's passion really shines.

[Sarah Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to win a personalized signed copy (my first) of Malbec: A Tumultuous Wine Journey from Woe to WOW by Vanda Jackson.
I'm not a wine drinker, but you do not need to be to enjoy this book. I wanted to read this book because I love history and travel.
The author is truly passionate about wine, and this makes for a well told story. This short book is jam packed full of knowledge. The survival story of Malbec is a dramatic one, with ups and down. Find out what a Roman Emperor, a Pope, a Queen, a Russian Tsar, and a President have in common. Politics, intrigue, vision, and a plague? Yup. This story has it all. I learnt a lot about Malbec and wine in general. I love that the author used the simile "grapes are very much like people". Food for thought.
For me the best chapters dealt with the origin of Malbec, it's journey across centuries and continents. Fascinating stuff. I liked reading about the wine's evolution, from it's ancient roots, to Argentinian Malbec's popularity and acclaim in the Mendoza wine region.
My least favourite chapters read like a well written university thesis. A little too much information with lots of sources listed. This book appears to be very well researched, and has a large bibliography.
I recommend Malbec: A Tumultuous Wine Journey from Woe to WOW to wine lovers, sommeliers, world travelers, people who love Argentina, and history buffs.

[Teresa LaBella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarely do I read non-fiction. A memoir by Bono, for example. Or a title on a topic of interest. Like, say, wine from grapes grown in the Mendoza region vineyards of Argentina, as much a must have in my home as coffee and a dog or two?

Pseudo wine-geeks to the curious wine taster will savour this read and take away an interesting fact or two to share at happy hour, over dinner or during the course of a delightful afternoon. The roller-coaster ride of Malbec, from royal favourite to the brink of extinction, from common table wine to celebrated award-winner is chronicled in an easy-to-read, conversational and engaging style.

But beware! This Journey from Woe to WOW has the potential to take the reader from the shelf at the local liquor store to a seat on a plane bound for Buenos Aires! Salud!

[Katharine MacPherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malbec written by Vanda Jackson is a 100-page read through a 2000 + year journey of the Malbec varietal and the drink it blossoms. How it was loved by royalty, reviled by its rivals, battled infestations and the environment, and rose to heights as high as the Andes mountains in Argentina to become one of the worlds best palate pleasing wines. A great read contributing to your knowledge of not only wine related terms but history of more than the title.

[Alice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Won this book on Goodreads. I don’t think I have ever drank this type of wine. I will trying it in the future. Interesting journey that this grape has had from the beginning to where it is now.

[Jessica Kinser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very awesome read! Loved the history of Malbec. I will never look at a glass the same!