Great Books for Wine Lovers
If you're a fan of wine like me (to put it mildly), you know that there's always something new to learn about the world of wine. And sometimes nothing beats picking up a great book. So books all about wine - yes please! I've curated a list of ten of my favourite wine books that will take your knowledge and appreciation for wine to the next level. Whether you're looking for a comprehensive guide, a deep dive into specific regions or simply an entertaining wine adventure, these books have got you covered!
1. "The World Atlas of Wine" by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson - This comprehensive guide takes you on a journey through the world of wine, exploring different regions, grapes, and winemaking techniques.
From classic regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy to emerging areas such as New Zealand and South Africa, no stone is left unturned including detailed descriptions and insights into each wine-producing region.
One of the standout features of this book is its visuals. The beautifully crafted maps, photographs, and illustrations bring each region to life, allowing readers to truly immerse themselves in the world of wine.
"The World Atlas of Wine" is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone passionate about wine. It's an essential addition to any bookshelf or coffee table - perfect for both casual sippers and serious enthusiasts alike.
2. "Wine and War" by Donald & Petie Kladstrup - A captivating book that takes you on a journey through the tumultuous history of wine during World War II. The book explores how winemakers across Europe navigated the challenges of war, from vineyards being destroyed to wine production being disrupted.
The book explores how winemakers across Europe navigated the challenges of war, from vineyards being destroyed to wine production being disrupted. The Kladstrups shed light on the resilience and determination of these winemakers, who fought to preserve their craft amidst the chaos of war.
One of the standout features of "Wine and War" is its ability to transport readers to different regions, immersing them in the rich culture and traditions associated with wine. From France's prestigious vineyards to Italy's rustic wineries, the authors paint vivid pictures that make you feel like you're right there alongside these passionate winemakers.
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a history buff, "Wine and War" offers a unique perspective on both subjects. It combines fascinating historical accounts with a love for viniculture that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for both wine and its enduring significance throughout history.
3. "Phylloxera: How Wine was Saved for the World" by Christy Campbell - This book provides a comprehensive account of how the tiny insect, Phylloxera, managed to wreak havoc on vineyards across Europe and threaten the very existence of wine production.
One of the standout features of "Phylloxera" is Campbell's ability to seamlessly blend scientific knowledge with storytelling. Complex concepts are explained in a way that is easily understandable, making it accessible and engaging even for readers who may not have prior knowledge about wine or insects.
Moreover, Campbell explores not only the scientific aspects but also delves into the socio-economic impact of Phylloxera on different regions and communities. This adds depth to the narrative, painting a vivid picture of how this crisis affected people's lives and livelihoods.
Overall, "Phylloxera: How Wine was Saved for the World" is an engrossing book that combines history, science, and human stories into a compelling narrative. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply curious about historical events with far-reaching consequences, this book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for both wine-making traditions and human resilience.
4. "Amber Revolution: How the World Learned to Love Orange Wine" by Simon J. Woolf - If you're a wine lover who's always on the lookout for new and exciting tastes or want to really get to grips with ‘what is orange wine’, then this is a must-read for you. This captivating book takes you on a journey through the fascinating world of orange wine - a unique and increasingly popular category within the realm of natural wines.
Simon delves into the history, production methods, and cultural significance of orange wine, shedding light on its rise in popularity among both connoisseurs and casual drinkers. With an engaging writing style and insightful anecdotes, this book not only educates but also entertains - essentially a must-have combination for me!
From vineyards in Georgia to cellars in Slovenia, "Amber Revolution" explores the global influence of orange wine and introduces readers to passionate winemakers who have dedicated themselves to perfecting this distinct style. Whether you're already familiar with orange wine or curious to learn more about it, this book offers a comprehensive overview that will leave you thirsty for more knowledge.
So grab a glass of your favorite vintage (or perhaps an intriguing bottle of orange wine) and dive into "Amber Revolution." Cheers to discovering new flavors and expanding your appreciation for all things grape!
5. "Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power" by John Szabo - A captivating exploration of the unique characteristics and flavors found in wines produced from volcanic soils.
From the saltiness that adds a touch of complexity to the grittiness that gives wines their distinctive texture, John provides a sensory journey through these powerful creations.
This book skillfully navigates through various wine regions known for their volcanic terroir, providing you with an in-depth understanding of how geological factors shape the taste and character of each bottle. Whether it's exploring the mineral-rich wines from Santorini or the bold reds from Mount Etna, a passion for volcanic wines is palpable throughout.
With its accessible writing style and expert insights, this book is a must-read for anyone curious about the world of volcanic wines.
6. "Jura Wine" by Wink Lorch - In this comprehensive exploration of one of my all-time favourite wine region's offerings, this book will take you on a journey through the vineyards and uncorks the unique characteristics that make Jura wines stand out.
With her expert palate and descriptive writing style, Wink provides detailed tasting notes that transport you to the rolling hills of Jura. From exceptional whites to light, but complex reds and even wonderful, expressive oxidative styles, she covers it all. As a huge champion of Jura wines, I cannot recommend this book enough.
7. "Wine Grapes: A complete guide to 1,368 vine varieties, including their origins and flavours" by Jancis Robinson, Julia Harding, José Vouillamoz - This book is a treasure trove for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of wine and explore the vast array of grape varieties out there.
In this comprehensive guide, the authors take us on a journey through the origins and characteristics of over 1,300 vine varieties. From well-known classics like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to lesser-known gems, hard to imagine if there is a grape left unexplored!
Whether you're an aspiring sommelier or simply a wine lover looking to expand your palate, "Wine Grapes" is definitely a ‘go-to’ dictionary of grape varieties.
8. "Oz Clarke Wine by the Glass: Helping you find the flavours and styles you enjoy" by Oz Clarke - Oz is renowned for his expertise in the world of wine along with his signature wit and charm, and this book takes you on a journey through different wine flavours and styles to help you discover their personal preferences.
‘Complex’ wine terminology is broken down into easy-to-understand language, making it accessible to pretty much everyone.
Another highlight is the practical advice it offers. Oz provides useful tips on how to taste wines effectively, how to pair them with food, and even how to navigate wine lists at restaurants. It's like having your own personal sommelier guiding you every step of the way.
9. "The Science of Wine – From Vine to Glass" by Jamie Goode - This book provides a fascinating exploration into the intricate world of winemaking and delves into the intricate processes involved in turning grapes into that perfect glass of wine.
Jamie combines his extensive knowledge and passion for wine with his scientific background to provide an in-depth analysis of how various factors such as soil composition, climate, grape varieties, and fermentation techniques influence the final product. Everything is explained in a very accessible way making it a great read for both the seasoned wine enthusiast and ‘newbie’ alike.
10. "The Leopard" by Giuseppe Tomasi Di Lampedusa - Okay, so this isn’t a wine book per se - but it is a fantastic read and a classic that takes you on a journey through the turbulent times of 19th-century Sicily.
Set against the backdrop of political upheaval and social change, this novel offers a captivating exploration of power, love, and the inevitable passage of time. What makes "The Leopard" truly remarkable is Lampedusa's ability to seamlessly weave historical events into the narrative.
The novel serves as a window into Sicily's tumultuous past, offering insights into its cultural nuances and political landscape and remains relevant even today. Its exploration of themes such as societal change and personal transformation has resonated with readers across generations and continues to do so.
Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply seeking an engaging tale filled with rich imagery, this novel is sure to leave an indelible mark on your literary journey. And particularly as a lover of volcanic wines, I can’t help but be enamored with Sicily and really enjoyed this book not just for its story but also for these fascinating insights into parts of its history.