Wine For Dummies
By: Ed McCarthy, Mary Ewing-Mulligan
About This Book
Wine enthusiasts and novices, raise your glasses! The #1 wine book has been extensively updated! If you’re a connoisseur, Wine For Dummies, Fourth Edition will get you up to speed on what’s in and show you how to take your hobby to the next level. If you’re new to the world of wine, it will clue you in on what you’ve been missing and show you how to get started. It begins with the basic types of wine, how wines are made, and more. Then it gets down to specifics: How to handle snooty wine clerks, navigate restaurant wine lists, decipher cryptic wine labels, and dislodge stubborn corks How to sniff and taste wine How to store and pour wine and pair it with food Four white wine styles: fresh, unoaked; earthy; aromatic; rich, oaky Four red wine styles: soft, fruity, and relatively light-bodied; mild-mannered, medium-bodied; spicy; powerful, full-bodied, and tannic What’s happening in the “Old World” of wine, including France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and Greece What’s how (and what’s not) in the New World of Wine, including Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa U.S. wines from California, Oregon, Washington, and New York Bubbling beauties and medieval sweets: champagne, sparkling wines, sherry, port, and other exotic dessert wines Authors Ed McCarthy, CWE, who is a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Journal and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW, who owns the International Wine Center in New York, have co-authored six wine books in the For Dummies series. In an easy-to-understand, unpretentious style that’s as refreshing as a glass of Chardonnay on a summer day, they provide practical information to help you enjoy wine, including: Real Deal symbols that alert you to good wines that are low in price compared to other wines of similar type, style, or quality A Vintage Wine Chart with specifics on numerous wines Info on ordering wine from out of state, collecting wine, and more Wine For Dummies, Fourth Edition is not just a great resource and reference, it’s a good read. It’s full-bodied, yet light…rich, yet crisp…robust, yet refreshing….
AI Overview
"Wine For Dummies" by Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan is an introductory guide to wine, designed to educate readers about the basics of wine, its varieties, and how to enjoy it. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Wine Fundamentals: The book starts with basic wine knowledge, covering topics such as the different types of grapes, wine styles, and the process of winemaking.
- Wine Regions: It delves into various wine-producing regions, analyzing top wines and vintages, including those prior to 1991.
- Wine Label Lingo: A chapter dedicated to understanding wine labels, helping readers decipher the information on a label and what it means for the wine.
- Pairing Wine with Food: The book provides guidance on pairing wine with different types of food, enhancing the dining experience.
- Storing, Opening, and Pouring Wine: It includes practical advice on how to store, open, and pour wine, ensuring the best possible taste.
- Restaurant Wine List Management: Although criticized by some for its approach, the book offers tips on managing a restaurant wine list, including how to inspect the cork and handle the presentation when buying wine at a restaurant.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to be an easy-to-follow guide, starting with the basics and gradually moving into more advanced topics. It is designed to be accessible to both beginners and those looking to expand their wine knowledge. The narrative is informative and practical, aiming to equip readers with the skills to navigate the world of wine confidently.
Critical Reception
Positive Reviews:
- Texas Wine Lover: The book is praised for its ability to serve as a comprehensive wine crash course, making it suitable for those new to wine.
- Pull That Cork: The reviewer found the book full of valuable information and recommended it for anyone looking to learn about wine.
- Hilary Topper Blog: The book is commended for its detailed analysis of wine regions, top wines, and vintages, as well as its practical advice on wine storage and presentation.
Negative Review:
- Goodreads: One reviewer, Jeremy Taylor, criticized Chapter 7 for containing misinformation and negative assumptions about restaurant wine lists. He felt that following the advice in this chapter could make for a less enjoyable dining experience.
Overall, "Wine For Dummies" is a well-regarded introduction to the world of wine, offering a broad range of information that is both educational and practical. While it may have some minor flaws, it remains a valuable resource for those looking to learn about wine.