I need to spruce up my wine library. I have most of the classic essentials, but I was curious if there was any new wine literature (something published in the last couple of years) that you guys really enjoyed. I am mainly interested in Burgundy, but when it comes to wine I am an equal opportunist and would gladly read about any region. During these isolated times, I find myself reading more than ever.
Here are a couple I have bought and read recently that I enjoyed:
The Original Grands Crus of Burgundy: This is for burgundy nerds. It goes through the history of the grand crus and essentially consolidates historical writings (that are often only available in French) like the writings of Dr. Lavalle, Rodier and Julien. Big Macs and Burgundy - Fun, light book that I quite enjoyed reading. I think her approach to explaining pairing is excellent. Vignette: Stories Of Life And Wine In 100 Bottles by Jane Lopes: Her story is very interesting and she is an excellent writer. I enjoyed the different structure of this book and actually read it almost all in one sitting I was so drawn in.
Jane Ansonâs new Bordeaux book is a great reference book for the region. Harold McGeeâs Nose Dive is a another fantastic read into the world of aromas. And while it hasnât been released in the US yet, Iâm eagerly awaiting the Noble Rot book due in March
These have all just been released recently. To be fair, there are several re-releases of older books and also some good collections of different writings (such as âOn Bordeauxâ) but itâs a great group of books.
If case youâre not familiar with it, thereâs a UK-based print wine magazine called Noble Rot, done by the owners of the London-based wine bar and restaurant with the same name. Late last year they announced they would be publishing a book as well. Itâs currently out in the UK, and I believe Europe, but due to COVID itâs yet to hit stateside
I adore Jamie Goodeâs books and can recommend any of them. I have read:
âThe Science of Wineâ - This one is probably my favorite for a lot of reasons. It reads casual at times, but gets super technical at others and has lots of cool insight
âFlawlessâ - This one delves into each of a dozen or better of the most common faults in wines, including a few that I didnât really know anything about.
I am currently reading:
âI Taste Redâ - This is the science of tasting wine, whereas the other is the science of making wine (with a dabble into our experience with it)
I am also reading Terry Thiese âWhat Makes a Wine Worth Drinkingâ - He uses a lot of purple prose and doesnât hesitate to get really metaphysical about the whole thing. He also isnât afraid to stand tall on his sometimes controversial opinions (esp about what makes wine âauthenticâ or worthy of praise). Still an enjoyable Sat morning kind of read.
I am reading two books now. One is Charles Curtisâ book on Champagne. Highly recommended, very complete with notes going back to the end of the nineteenth century. I should mention I have known Charles for years, and he knows and loves Champagne. He also has some pretty good credentials as a Master of Wine and headed wine departments at Christieâs.
The second book is rather more obscure. It is also far more dense, but it has proved to be very rewarding. âThe Politics of Wine in Britain.â If you really want to know how we arrived at the blue chip wines of today. Read this book. It is not just about making better wines, but duties, wars, alliances, technology, and even politbparties boycotting one countryâs wines to make a point.
Highly recommend âPostmodern Winemakingâ by Clark Smith. You probably wonât agree with all of it but it really rewrote how I thought about winemaking.
Thanks all - these are all really great recommendations. Noble Rot was not in my radar but now I will have to reach out to colleagues in the UK to get me a copy!
Iâll second âinside bordeauxâ by Jane Anson; simply fantastic. Iâve enjoyed âBordeaux Legendsâ by Jane also. One of Parkerâs last books, âthe worlds greatest wine estatesâ is pretty good too. âThe fast of Wineâ by Peynaud (Le goĂ»t du vin) should be in every wine library as well!
The World of Fine Wine is pretty amazing as far as periodicals go.
For a relaxed fun non-fiction take, I read the three Peter Stafford-Bow books during the lockdowns of 2020 and thought that was a fun and enjoyable way to pass the time with a glass: Corkscrew, Brut Force, and Firing Blancs.
Another great reminder. Just purchased it! I just finished The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It
and thought it was a lot of fun.