Customer Reviews

Understanding Wine Technology: The Science of Wine Explained

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

 

 

Clearly written and a quick read, but don't be fooled: there is a lot of solid technical information here, including one of the best published reviews of filtration, and an excellent overview of additives. Clarity here is due to good writing and careful exposition, not by dumbing down the topic. The book was written for classroom use, for instance by students preparing for the WSET Diploma Examination, and also succeeds as a text for someone who understands the basics of winemaking but wants to know the why as well as the what.

However, the chapter on fermentation is a bit brief for its intended role as a textbook, and faults merit only a few pages. A lack of a bibliography (other than a few scattered references to journal articles) also counts against it. I recommend supplementing with another text such as Rankine's "Making Good Wine" (ISBN 140503601X) or a reference work such as Jackson's "Wine Science".

(Note: A newer edition is now available, it might address some of the above criticisms.)

This is a book worth owning and reading, but it will not provide all the answers.

This book does a terrific job of simplifying the complex science that goes into winemaking. Ever wonder what some of the terms mean on the back of a wine bottle? This book is a quick read that provides consise and relatable explanations. It is not a book on how to make wine. It is not a book for scientists. It is a non-technical book for anyone that wants to learn more about the process and options from the dirt to the glass.

Contrary to popular belief, this is not a winemaking textbook, rather it is a great look into the process of winemaking as it would pertain to a wine industry employee or wine expert. Anyone seriously trying to make wine should either view 'From Vines to Wines' by Jeff Cox (for home winemakers) or attend UC Davis (for large scale winemakers).

As a Master of Wine student, I have found this to be a great addition to my wine library. Paired with the Oxford Wine Companion and Halliday's 'The Art and Science of Wine' this makes for a solid read.

Pros: beautiful diagrams, great writing, wonderful knowledge
Cons: some topics lack depth, paperback

This is a very clear and straightforward description of the winemaking process and the choices winemakers have to make when buying equipment and choosing among alternative process. Anyone who wants to delve into how wine goes from grapes to wine will find this book a valuable read and will clearly understand all the various and many choices winemakers have to make. In addition to interested observers it will also be found useful by the home winemaker.

This book is a great introduction to wine science for the non-scientist. It is well written and thorough. While it's not a book for someone who's looking for information on how to troubleshoot problems in the winery or find answers to exactly what kind of equipment would be best for their unique situation, it does explain many different types of equipment, wine-making techniques, and the science behind the process. It is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in working in or starting up a winery.

Excellent book, covers a very good breadth of topics including many that my other books don't cover. Not extremely in-depth, but it covers the topic completely. I would highly recommend it.

I am a wine professional (non-winemaker) who wanted to understand better the science behind making wine in preparation for the WSET Diploma and possibly MW. This book was perfect! As others have said, it is approachable by a non-scientist, but without being "dumbed-down". I keep it as a reference source for any basic oenology questions that come along.

I have been in the sales end of the wine business for nearly 20 years, in restaurants and wholesale / supply end. This is a great tool to take your knowledge a step further than just what you learn from tastings. Easy to understand and well structured format, it gives the wine enthusiast insight into the "whys" of wine.

I found this book to be an excellent introduction into the process of making wine. It was a very interesting book at an appropriate level for a novice.

I purchased this book for a course I will take in winemaking and finished the book before the class started. Good layman's description of the art and technology of wine making for the beginner winemaker who wants to start learning more than just hobbyist level.