The Everything Wine Book [Paperback]

Danny May (Author), Andy Sharpe (Author)

Book Description

Series: Everything (Cooking) | Publication Date: April 1997

From great bargains to classic vintages, how to order-or buy-the perfect wine. You won't make a wine mistake ever again!

It used to be that the world of wine was a closed door to all except for the cultural elite. Well, not any more! The Everything Wine Book is the perfect primer for anyone with even the slightest interest in wine, whether you are planning to spend 5 a bottle or 50.

Here is a complete wine resource that's easily accessible and authoritatively written. This friendly, informative book covers everything you need to know, including:

What to spend for a wine that will taste great and impress your friends
How to differentiate types of wine, not just by color
The low-down on champagnes and dessert wines
How to shop for wine in a liquor store
Cocktails and dinner recipes using wine
Wine-inspired vacations
The best wine to serve at parties
Paring foods with wine, from hamburgers and pizza to the classiest French cuisine

Insightful and exciting, The Everything Wine Book takes the mystery out of ordering the perfect bottle of wine and is a wonderful companion to The Everything Pasta Cookbook.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

You know that you're not supposed to sniff the cork when the sommelier hands it to you in a restaurant, right? Well, don't feel bad if you don't. The cork is handed to you to show that it is in good condition and not rotting (which would allow oxygen to come in contact with the wine), and that only one end is wet, thus proving that the bottle was stored correctly. Unlike most other alcohol consumption, which is indiscriminate, wine is something that must be learned and practiced like a sport or a musical instrument. Yet most of us order the house red and politely sniff the cork, because we haven't a clue. The Everything Wine Book is a first step toward a vinifera education (the rest is practice, practice).

Like a James Michener novel, albeit much shorter, The Everything Wine Book starts with the beginning of Western civilization, moves on to a discussion of geology, and winds up in the New World, where very fine, affordable pinot noir can be had. At 288 pages, it's a lesson that goes down easy. The authors cover all the major varieties, discuss wine production, explain why one vintage is superior to another, conduct a taste tour of the world's wine-producing nations, reveal the nuances of serving wine, tell what it means to let a bottle of wine "breathe," and even provide advice regarding hangover prevention. So drink and be merry, secure in the knowledge that when you're done quaffing this book, you'll be able to authoritatively select perfectly wonderful wines in your price range. --Brenda Pittsley

About the Author

Danny May has taught wine appreciation classes, and has been both a sommelier (that's a restaurant wine guy) and professional wine salesman.

Andy Sharpe is a writer who appreciates all kinds of wine and is always looking for a great bargain.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation; 1st edition (April 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558508082
• ISBN-13: 978-1558508088
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #917,914 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Everything I needed to know, January 18, 2000

By 

Ron Miller (Irving, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Everything Wine Book (Paperback)

This is a great book for the beginning wine enthusiast. If you like wine but what to know more this is a great place to start. It is easy to read and contains just the right amount of information without going to exacting detail that will cause you to just go have a good beer instead. I also is addressed to the $10.00 a bottle wine buyer rather than the $100.00 a bottle person. So read it and experiment and enjoy.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful Information in an Easy to Read Format, October 26, 2001

By 

"jflg" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Everything Wine Book (Paperback)

I was in a wine shop yesterday and recognized labels and understandood descriptions that would have been foreign to me prior to reading this book a few weeks ago. I have only read this book once with a few cursory reviews for specific information, but the amount of information I retained really suprised me. I did have some prior knowledge of wine, but nothing that would tag me as anything beyond a novice.

I chalk up the fact that I retained so much information to the authors' excellent writing style. I've attempted to read other wine books by noted authors and none was able to hold my persistent interest. This is the only wine book I've read that actually had me looking forward to the next page. The layout and format are such that it's almost impossible not to learn something useful. Information on price ranges vs. expectations, labels to look for, grape/wine type descriptions, and what countries and regions produce what wine is all logically accessible.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Wine Snobbery Here, April 10, 2005

By 

Wannabe Writer "Karen" (Orange, Texas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Everything Wine Book (Paperback)

In a word - DELIGHTFUL!

I own several books on wines now, due to trying to find just the right one to address what I wanted to know. As a novice, I want to learn more without the expense (and the suffering) of trying to look like I know what I'm doing/buying when I don't.

This book addresses wine as something you are looking to drink now and affordably enjoy, as opposed to invest in, cellar, impress your friends with, etc..

It has a friendly, shoot from the hip style that I am particularly fond of and would highly recommend this to someone looking to know more about good, everyday "drink 'em while ya got 'em" wines.

I am an eclectic soul and generally find the unusual and eclectic most suited to my taste. I was delighted to read the authors' take that my favorite wine (Gewurztreminer) is "the Dennis Rodman of wines" and had to laugh at that descriptive. Very fitting, I think!

If you're a novice like me and looking to find a wine or family of wines that you will enjoy without going into bankruptcy, this book will do wonders for you. Who doesn't like to learn and laugh at the same time? Hats off to both authors. This is the best wine book available!!! But I can't help but wonder if maybe they weren't the inspiration for the movie "Sideways" ...

My only complaint is no significant mention of the fine wines that come out of the vineyards and wineries of Texas. If you've never had the privelege of trying a Red Muscadine wine from the Pineywoods Vineyard and Winery or a Reisling from Messina Hof... you're missing out!