Since its first publication in 1989, Matt Kramer’s extraordinarily accessible guide to wine has become a classic. Where others talk jargon about centrifuges, steel tanks, and acidity levels, Kramer talks about wine itself. The result is an enriching experience that goes far beyond knowing how to read a label or impress a waiter.
The text explains everything an oenophile needs to know, including the creation and naming of wines, wine cellars, presentation and glassware, pairing wine with food, and much more. Kramer reminds us that wine is an expression of the earth that reveals the site and conditions under which it is cultivated. He explores connoisseurship through the practical devices of “thinking wine” and “drinking wine,” making for a most enjoyable and engrossing journey through one of life’s most dependable pleasures.
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"Easy to read with lots of information. I read this for a book club at a wine shop and am glad it was chosen. Kramer does a good job of covering lots of different topics that are useful for choosing and serving wine, as well as including historical anecdotes. "
— Anne (4 out of 5 stars)
"While much wine writing verges on pedantry, columnist Kramer brings a disciplined reporter's ear to his job, along with wit and intelligence to spare."
— Publishers Weekly“Pop a cork, pour a glass and enjoy listening to this book…should fascinate both the novice and the oenophile…Davidson's reading and pronunciation are impeccable.”
— AudioFile“A perspective that combines common sense with scientific fact...the point of view taken is refreshingly free of dogma.”
— Library Journal" Excellent book for both the beginner and those who already possess a decent knowledge of wine. This book is written in an easy to read style and is both humorous and technical without being boring. "
— Kevin, 8/24/2013" Easy to read with lots of information. I read this for a book club at a wine shop and am glad it was chosen. Kramer does a good job of covering lots of different topics that are useful for choosing and serving wine, as well as including historical anecdotes. "
— Anne, 6/23/2013" Breezily written, enthusiastic and solidly informative look at wine history, types and obsession with same. "
— Evan, 2/8/2013" Vaguely aware of the luxurious frivolousness of its subject; I liked most the parts about the history of estate bottling and the fermentation process. I grabbed this off our shelf to have something to read as filler, and this fit the bill. "
— Billy, 10/26/2012" It sounds like a Wine101 book, but the essays are WAY more interesting than that! Things you never thought you needed to know... "
— Kimberly, 11/12/2011" Excellent book for both the beginner and those who already possess a decent knowledge of wine. This book is written in an easy to read style and is both humorous and technical without being boring. "
— Kevin, 5/4/2011" It sounds like a Wine101 book, but the essays are WAY more interesting than that! Things you never thought you needed to know... "
— Kimberly, 10/20/2008" Vaguely aware of the luxurious frivolousness of its subject; I liked most the parts about the history of estate bottling and the fermentation process. I grabbed this off our shelf to have something to read as filler, and this fit the bill. "
— Billy, 9/15/2008Matt Kramer has been a full-time food and wine writer since 1976. He is a columnist in every issue of Wine Spectator and Diversion magazines. He is the longtime wine critic for the Oregonian, and has worked as a wine columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He resides in Portland, Oregon.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.