Customer Reviews

Drink This: Wine Made Simple

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Years ago Dara wrote a food column with step-by-step instructions for learning the concept of "dry". Several friends and I had a blast (aided by 6 bottles of wine and as many beers) as we compared wines, beers, cheeses, fruits and crackers to get an in-depth understanding of dry. At the time, we wished Dara would do more of this type of writing. Now she has. I assembled my friends together again and we started with the Zinfandel chapter. As one friend said after the Zinfandel was gone, "I could have learned this in a class, but this was much more fun." It was also educational. By following Dara's instructions, I finally can taste pepper, cinnamon or blackberries in wine. We are already planning our next wine tasting party. Read This.

Unlike so many wine books -- which usually give lots of current vintage recommendations, but don't really help you to understand how to understand your own preferences -- this book gives you a foundation from which to build your personal wine knowledge. Even if you've been piecing it together on your own for years, this little tome puts it all together in one place, and presents a logical, practical and fun method for exploring. The novel "tasting marker" idea is one I've never heard of, but it works beautifully. The insights into history and wine production are invaluable, and it's all presented in the author's signature cheeky style. (There are more than a few laugh-out-loud moments in each chapter.) When I was first drinking wine 20 years ago, I acquired several wine books, which are mostly worthless now because the recommendations in them are dated. This is a timeless wine book that will be just as relevant and informative in 20 years as it is right now.

I bought this book for myself and then went out the next day and bought three more for gifts. It's a perfect first book about wine. It answers all kinds of questions like "is it ever okay to put ice in your wine" in a clear and non-condescending way, plus it gives you a good explanation of some major types of wine. But mostly I appreciate how it helps you be able to explain what you love about wine, what flavors you enjoy, not what someone else dictates. It's also witty and fun to read. Moskowitz is a restaurant reviewer in Minneapolis and her writing is always a pleasure. I would probably read anything she wrote. Thank god her first book is about wine and not lutefisk (look it up).

Drink This is great for someone who wants to take their understanding of wine to the next level. Dara has an instructional method that is repeatable, measurable and easy to follow. I purchased this book for myself and for my neighbor. So far, we have read the Zinfandel & Sauvignon Blanc chapters, followed by respective tastings. As someone new to Zinfandel, I found the chapter informative with easy-to-remember bits of triva that I now use when describing Zinfandel to others. For the SB, I have always loved the grape but I would only buy SB from Marlborough. After our tasting, I have found that I also like a Chilean version, do not like French SB (minerality) but am in love with White Bordeaux. Who knew? I could go on, but I will rest with saying that if you like wine but could use help understanding nuances and why you like what you like, you will like this book. And get a copy for your neighbor, she'll need to read up too for your upcoming tasting.

When you want to understand the difference between varietals, and the variance in quality of different wine prices, look no further than this entertaining read. You'll walk away knowing enough to start your own life-long wine-learning adventure.

absolutely wonderful book. well written and easy to read. very informative. She attained her objective - to take some of the mystery out of learning about wine.

Grumdahl posits a unique new approach to tasting. Instead of going through a bunch of varietal or regional labels in a designated price group, she advocates tasting variations on the theme, climbing from simple to complex examples. No more boring rate it 85 or 90. Instead judge the grape quality and work your way up the qualty scale. And forget about "blind" bottles and scores. Learn the difference between California Chardonnay and White Burgundy.

Finally a book on wine that allows me to take the training wheels off and just shop for wine on my own. Dara makes it easy to identify what I want in a wine and how to shop for it. What's more, she gives tips on how to do this without having to take out a home equity loan. I will no longer browse the aisles in confusion and come home with yet another bottle of Yellowtail Chardonnay.

Basically, information in the book is good for a beginner as long as the beginner sticks to her method of learning to taste wine; that is try 2 wines of the same variety from different wineries at a lower, middle and upper price level. There are, however, serious errors of substance in the book, and she is very parochial, in her choice of wines, seemingly to be in love with Napa and Sonoma wines and French and Italian wines, with a few Australian wines thrown in. She completely or almost completely ignores California's Central Coast wineries and those of Southern California, Oregon vineyards and most Washington vineyards. One of her serious errors is that, she states that Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris is a spontaneous mutation of Pinot Noir when in fact Pinot Grigio/Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and 10 other grape varieties that are used to make wine are crosses between the "Pinot" prototype and an obscure vine called Gouais Blanc. That was determined by Dr. Carole Meredith, professor emeritus at the University of California at Davis , by means of DNA typing and has been known since the early 1990's.

She, also, denigrates the wines that are available at Costco and Target Stores. I cannot speak to the quality of wines at Target Stores, as I have never shopped for wine at Target, but I have shopped at Costco. While the Australian "critter wines" are most available, I have seen wines from boutique wineries in California, such as, Opolo and La Crema vineyards, and larger wineries such as Hahn. She, in addition, calls Hahn, a "bottom shelf" wine; however, I don't believe that a winery that has won 27 gold medals for their wines in one year should be called a "bottom shelf" wine.

I knew by page eleven this book is a hit! Being a fan of ice in my wine, and quite frankly not being able to stomach wine that is served much too warm, I am pleased to see that it is ok! It is okay for me to slip those cubes in my wine glass! Just the other evening, my spouse and I were gasped at as I asked for some ice, the manager came over, raised his eyebrows in disapproval. Ah no Mr.Manager, Dara says you served my wine to me quite possibly too warm. How I wish I had this book two weeks ago. While I have not quite finished this book, I can tell you it is written in a manner that I can relate too, it isnt to stuffy, its just right! Dara keeps your attention and desire to learn. Great book! It really is simple!