An engaging tour through the most common pitfalls, stumbling blocks and sources of confusion that consumers face as they seek to understand the complicated and endlessly fascinating subject of wine. Though a series of humorous and easy to read conversations the author coaches the readers step-by-step through the essential skills everyone needs to have in order to select, store and serve wine properly. Throughout the book, the primary emphasis is on the taste of wine and how that should influence the way wines are chosen and used. Wine tasting is demystified by concentrating on the basic tastes that are common to wines and explaining why the terms used by wine writers and wine professionals can be so confusing. Next the author shows the reader how to understand the differences between the wines made from different grape varieties and explains how they are affected by climate and winemaking style. This allows the reader to be able to anticipate the basic characteristics of wines even if they've never tasted them before. The relationships between wine and time are explored in fascinating depth, showing how they influence the way wine is made, sold stored and served. Practical guidelines are given for getting the most out of wine in various situations, showing how the most successful pairings include the situation and the people involved, as well as the food. The book includes a balanced discussion of the health issues related to alcohol consumption to guide the reader on the both the risks and rewards of wine consumption. Appendices describe the major flaws in wine and how to detect them, the characteristics of twenty-one major grape varieties and various food and wine pairings. Throughout the book an effort is made to entertain and inform the reader in equal measure. Charts, tables and lists are avoided, as are defined terms and recitations of mind-numbing details, in order to ensure that the reader's attention is always concentrated on the most helpful material necessary to gain a working knowledge of wine. After finishing the book, readers are expected to be able to choose wines without having to rely on ratings and recommendations from others, to have learned how to carry on a conversation with a sommelier, retailer or other wine professional and tap their knowledge without fear of being taken advantage of and to be able to enjoy every glass of wine much more than they ever expected.
