Wine Talk: An Enthusiast's Take on the People, the Places, the Grapes, and the Styles

by Raymond Blake

In Wine Talk, seasoned wine professional Raymond Blake, who has been writing about wine for twenty-five years, caters to those who want to drink their wine without ceremony but with some engagement. For those who have been put off by highfalutin terminology and forbidding ritual. For those who want the message simplified but not dumbed down and for those who love a glass of wine but for whom technical details are a turn off. Through Blake's well-told vinous tales and anecdotes, readers will learn effortlessly about a topic that often appears a mystery to so many. Sections * The fascinating process of vineyard work * All about bubbly wines (champagne and other) * Legacy wines, i.e. Sherry, Port, and Madeira * Wines from Down Under  * The business of food and wine matching * Wine gadgets and accessories * And more! This book makes the perfect gift for those looking to wet their palate on various wine topics.  

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2022

Reviews

[Jamil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Written as a guide for people who want to engage in wine without the pretentiousness, the book fails in numerous ways. There are long droning passages which use all kinds of typical wine vocabulary (structure, rhymes, musical etc) that are not defined and often used in more “pretentious” wine reading. This is confusing at best, unhelpful/unclear at worst. Whole sections of the book cover geographies of wine growing areas and discuss the process of making wine (which is well done) but then revert once again to all kinds of language regarding the finished product that are incomprehensible to most.

Blake is clearly an enthusiast and is trying to share that passion and make it more accessible. For this he should be applauded. There are singular descriptions of numerous grapes and wine types and the reader is made to understand the role certain grapes play in making a blended wine, or a signature wine. This is really informative. Also helpful is the section on gadgets. Spoiler: most of the stuff isn’t needed. Get glasses with stems, and a few good corkscrews.

In short - the book can be cut by 75 percent and you’ll get the gist of it. One can find free and more accessible advice online. Save your money and time.

[Julian Timberlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding.

Fantastic wine book. I say that because I agree with every premise he makes about wine. I miss the days of grippy Bordeaux. Cigar Box, earth, pencil lead and tannins. Then veered of into juicy Merlot of unknown origin from a taste perspective. All because of a wine critic and some guy named M.R. He was kind enough to not mention his name. Do wish he would have touched on Garnacha from Aragon. Like Frontonio and Alto Moncayo. Must read.

[Liam Mycroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent down to earth wine book. Raymond keeps it straightforward, but fires from the hip at some of the pretentious issues that spin around the World of Wine.

I found myself agreeing with him 90% of the time, must be the common link of being Irish 🤣

[Hermione Ireland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Raymond’s engaging and honest style and content. No holds-barred, very informative and a lovely read.