Niche Wine Blog

Gary Vee's 101 Wines: Bringing the Thunder

                         

You may know him.  He's that enthusiastic, energetic, lovable wine video blogger that you can't get enough of.  Now he has a new book that will inspire anyone to get out there and help change the wine world.  Yes, I'm talking about Gary Vaynerchuk and he's come out with 101 Wines: Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World. 

At an early age, GV actually pushed the world of wine away.  He was too young to drink it when he started working in his father's liquor store so he didn't have any way to develop a personal affinity.  In fact, he'd rather be hanging out with his school friends having fun.  However, one trait he did have at an early age was an entrepreneurial spirit.  First it was selling lemonade, then trading baseball cards.  His wine epiphany came while working under his father when he began reading Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate; he realized that people collected this "juice."  A light bulb turned on and he worked with his father to transform the liquor store into what is now Wine Library, one of today's most successful wine retailers in the U.S.

The first thing GV makes clear regarding his book is it is NOT a wine guide.  Its purpose is to help you explore wine for yourself and make up your own mind about what's good and what's bad based on what you like.  He states that several things about the current state of the wine world need to change.  Don't rely on the next Hollywood Blockbuster to tell you what great wine is.  While it's helpful to use critic picks, such as Robert M. Parker Jr. and even GV himself, their ratings should not be the deciding factor, your palate should.  Once you get into wine and think you know everything, don't act like it!  Its rude and ignorant to talk down to people who think differently about wine than you do.  In the end, GV's message is clear: try any and all wines to develop your own personal rating system of what you like and dislike and rely on it, not what other's like and dislike.  The best way to do this is to learn by doing - taste, taste, and taste some more.  And what's more important, have fun doing it and involve friends, family and others!

So why, you ask, did GV write a book listing 101 wines he thinks "bring the thunder"?  While they are the wines that he enjoyed the most, he's not stating they are the best.  Again, it's not meant to be a rated wine guide, but rather more informational.  He's merely giving you a path to travel down, a wine journey, to get you started in exploration.  Whether you're a beginner or an "expert" in wine, he just wants you to have fun trying them and not be afraid if it doesn't have a 90-point rating behind it.  The wines are of all styles, from all regions, and of all prices.  For each wine, he provides a catchy one-liner heading.  Sometimes he uses what he calls a "palate primer" to explain a flavor.  If it's an uncommon grape, he'll explain its origin.  He also provides history information, among other facts.  I also like that GV provides a web link to the vineyard/winery so you can find out more on your own. 

A section in the end of the book lists wines he suggests may be suited for specific occasions.  Again, they are just recommendations - they're not written in stone! 

I work in a fine wine shop and nothing thrills me more than a customer who says, "ah well, I've never had this before so I might as well try it and see if I like it."  I wish more people were this adventurous when it comes to wine. 

101 Wines is an easy, fun, interesting, highly informational read sure to "inspire, delight, and bring the thunder."

As the infamous Wine Library TV tag line says: you, with a little bit of me (GV), we are changing the wine world, whether they like it or not!

Book Review: Wine & Philosophy

Wine & Philosophy: A Symposium on Thinking and Drinking
Edited by Fritz Allhoff, Forward by Paul Draper

To read this book is to think about wine in ways you probably never have before.  Wine & Philosophy is a symposium, a collection of essays written by notable scholars, philosophers, wine critics and other wine industry professionals that explore the deeper meaning of wine.  These essays take you on a journey, allowing you to look beyond the tangible sip and consider the significance this illustrious drink has had in the world for centuries, as well as how it affects our daily lives today, consciously and subconsciously. 

These essays look at how wine relates to history, art, culture, philosophy and religion.  They also contemplate the science and metaphysics behind why wine tastes the way it does, the notion of terroir, and how it could possibly have 'coffee or blackberry' notes in it.  This work includes essays that analyze the beauty of wine in relation to the art of drinking it, wine tasting aesthetics, and who has the authority to determine the quality of wine and whether it's good or not.   Finally, other essays include topics on wine from a political and economic standpoint. 

I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in wine.  The essays are extremely well written, informative and thought-provoking.  Moreover, Wine & Philosophy is simply an enjoyable read.  However, it's not something you can breeze through in one day - it takes a little time if you really want to absorb all of the concepts presented.

It's only $13.57 from Amazon.com so buy it today!  BUY

 

First Big Crush, by Eric Arnold

A fresh, raw perspective on the harsh reality of being a winemaker.  We all think the job of making wine must be as glorious as drinking it, but Eric Arnold shows us a different side in his new book First Big Crush. 

Having just been fired from his job, or quitting it, depending on which part of the book you read, Arnold sets out to learn more about wine by heading to New Zealand and obtaining a year long apprenticeship at Allan Scott Wines.  Initially he's expecting "the good life," leisurely walking vineyards, tasting wine and good food.  On the contrary, he discovers winemaking to involve mostly cleaning and that winemakers are a little nutty. 

Part one illustrates the intricacies of the harvest, the technical aspects of using the equipment and what a dirty, physically painstaking adventure wine crush can be.  He does his best to balance the boring (to some people) technicalities with his rough sense of humor and drunken stupor stories that will definitely leave you laughing. 

Arnold goes on to introduce the reader to the stages of winemaking, beginning to end, and all things related to it in part two.  He touches on blending, the reasons behind it and why you shouldn't get upset when you find out there's some Chardonnay in your Sauvignon Blanc!  And of course Arnold couldn't get away without mentioning the importance of screwcaps seeing as New Zealand, along with Australia, has been at the forefront of The Debate.  One chapter, And the Winner Is...No One, talks about those beloved wine rating systems and the fact that so many people get caught up in buying and drinking wines because they were rated 90 + points by Robert Parker, rather than because they truly like the wine.  I firmly believe that people should try all types of wine, regardless of the rating system.  There are so many delicious wines out there that get snubbed because they don't have a rating attached to them and that's a sad thing. 

Part three focuses on vineyard management and preparing to start the cycle all over once again.  He discusses how wineries tend to have a hard time finding devoted workers due to the reality check that sets in.  Finally, Arnold emphasizes the troubles for both growers and laborers when it comes to the vineyard. 

No, the intentions of this book are not to completely destroy every wonderful thought you had about wine, viticulture and viniculture.  However, it's important to understand that the delectable wine you consumer with such ease, doesn't come with the same ease.  Winemakers love what they do, and it is a rewarding career, but it doesn't come without sacrifice.   

Overall I found the book funny and enjoyable, but I did find Arnold's writing a little rough around the edges.  Nonetheless, I suggest you drink some wine and read along, because the author did while writing it (maybe that's why the writing is a little disjointed). Click below to buy the book.

                                                              

HIP TASTES

One of the best things about wine is that there is endless learning involved.  As such, I am always interested to see what new books have come out on the topic and what may be of quality and interest.  I say quality, because it's hard to find a well written book - one that captivates; draws you in and keeps you there.  For instance, as much as I want to get through "First Big Crush" by Eric Arnold, I'm having a difficult time because I think the book is written very poorly.

So, I was in the bookstore the other day, undoubtedly one of my favorite places to spend time, and naturally headed straight for the wine section.  I came across a great book called Hip Tastes, by Courtney Cochran.  She's a certified sommelier and founder of Your Personal Sommelier and HIP TASTES Events in San Francisco.  I was immediately drawn to the book for its "fresh" image.  Cochran does a great job of touching upon all facets of the wine industry in a clear, concise way that doesn't confuse, or bore the reader.  The book is very well written (most likely because she's an English major from UCLA) and is fun to read.  She adds a personal element into her writing that really makes her book unique. 

She begins by briefing the reader on the history of wine, talking a little bit about viticulture and viniculture  and what can affect the variety of wine styles.  Cochran calls this "Your CliffsNotes to the Wine World."  Next, the author explains the dynamics of how to taste and analyze wine and then discusses specifics about white, red, sparkling and sweet wines.  Other topics addressed in her book are wine and food pairing, how to store wine at home, how to tackle a restaurant wine list, how to shop for wine at home, and tips on planning travel to the wine regions of the world. 

Another great feature of HIP TASTES is the appendix.  Cochran offers charts listing wines named for places, wine word pronunciation, and regions and their specific producers and quality vintages.  She also has an extensive listing of U.S. retailers (brick-and-mortar and online), wine festivals and events, wine tourism resources and wine schools/classes.  I'd have to say that this book is one of the best new encyclopedic-style wine books on the market today.  Quite frankly, I wish it had been available to me when I was first learning wine.  Even with the knowledge I have today, I find it to be a good little companion.  It's definitely a book that can serve useful to both the beginner and the expert. 

Check out the links above to Courtney Cochran's websites if you're interested in her HIP TASTES events, or booking her as your personal sommelier!  Please note she works primarily in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

1000 Best Wine Secrets

by: Carolyn Hammond
Paperback 383 pages; October 2006. Sourcebooks, Inc. ISBN: 1402208081

If any of you are like me and just can't seem to find the time to sit down and read the wine books you've been meaning to, don't feel bad.  No matter how many times we try to set aside a few minutes here and there, something inevitably arises, taking precedence.  Well, luckily this weekend I put my foot down and  got a little reading in - of course the long weekend made it a bit easier to do so!  Another aspect that made it easier was this recently published book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, an engaging tell-all wine book, by Carolyn Hammond, which encompasses a friendly reading format.   

Hammond recognizes most people don't have the time or dedication to study every last detail of wine and its industry.  Yet, she acknowledges the desire many individuals have to learn about the various aspects of wine, particularly how to buy a good bottle with ease.  Therefore, she has created a simplistic, succinct, albeit in-depth book that allows one to explore the many aspects of wine, from buying quality wine, to knowing how to order it in a restaurant and pair properly with food, to tasting and serving wine and knowing when it's no good. 

1000 Great Wine Secrets also devotes a superb section to the various regions of the world, such as France, Italy, Spain & Portugal, Germany, the Mediterranean, America, Canada, and others.   I love how she gives the inside scoop on the best producers of each region and other inside tips.  Finally, Hammond offers secrets about wine and how to store it, and she talks about the many myths of wine that have been conjured up.  While there is a huge world wine market, the average person doesn't necessarily have a huge wallet for it.  Hammond recognizes this, and as such includes a list of 50 wines she thinks are of excellent quality, for under $20 !

Another reason I enjoyed this book so much is the style in which it's written.  For each section, or chapter, there are mini paragraphs illustrating facts in small doses.  Much of the information in this book would usually be found in 5 or more different books.  Now don't get me wrong, I love reading books on wine that are specific in scope.  However, not all people have the same dedication to wine. While Hammond may not elaborate on each point, she amplifies the basics significantly.  As such, This book is perfect for the beginner, the wine connoisseur, and the professional.  Sometimes, lengthy books on wine can be overwhelming to the everyday enthusiast.  1000 Best Wine Secrets takes away the intimidation other books can cause and instead provides manageable facts about wine, sure to turn any novice expert.

1000 Best Wine Secrets can be found on amazon and bn.

Carolyn Hammond holds a diploma from Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a Bachelor of Arts in English from York University.  She is internationally known for her writing in such magazines as Decanter, Wine & Spirit International, and various news papers.  Additionally, Hammond publishes wine writing and other features, including her services, on her website Wine-Tribune.