Buying Guides Books

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course: 2008 Edition (Windows on the World Complete Wine Course)

Kevin Zraly

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Sterling Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $15.54

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is simply the bestselling wine book in North America—it’s a classic. The 2007 edition alone has sold over 100,000 copies and reorders continue to pour in. Along with the expanded text that has made last year’s update so successful, the 2008 revision will include a special 16-page supplement on “How to Taste Wine,” taken directly from Kevin’s world-famous class. This new material will include more than 100 wines that Zraly selects for his students to taste, along with the tasting sheet they use for their evaluations. Organized by region, from simple to complex, his list begins with white wines from France, the U.S., and Germany; moves on to the red wines of Burgundy and the Rhône, Bordeaux, the U.S., Italy, Australia, Argentina, and Chile; and concludes with champagnes and ports. By following Kevin’s order, readers will experience the best wines and the wide diversity of taste, style, region, and country. It’s not only a comprehensive and bargain-priced hands-on wine education, but a superb catalog from which to start a wine cellar or find a bottle appropriate to any occasion. In addition, the label for each of the 101 wines is shown, along with commentary on how to read it, suggestions for alternative wines, and specific instructions on how to set up a tasting using Kevin’s techniques. This is the first time Kevin’s actual list has ever been offered in book form and it alone is worth the cover price of Windows on the World Complete Wine Course.
Of course, as always, this unequaled volume retains all the invaluable information, fabulous illustrations, and gorgeous styling of the previous editions—all presented in Zraly’s inimitable, irreverent style. This is the wine guide against which all others are judged.

The World Atlas of Wine: Completely Revised and Updated, Sixth Edition (World Atlas of Wine)

Hugh Johnson, Jancis Robinson

Amazon Price: $31.50 List Price: $50.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MITCH Amazon Marketplace: 58 new & used starting at $21.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Hailed by critics worldwide as “extraordinary” and “irreplaceable,” there are few volumes that have had as monumental an impact in their field as Hugh Johnson’s The World Atlas of Wine: sales have exceeded four million copies, and it is now published in thirteen languages.
World-renowned authors Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson once again combine their unrivalled talents to enhance this masterpiece of wine knowledge. There are now 48 extra pages, including 17 new color illustrations, 20 new maps, and—for the first time ever—double page spreads and full-page photos in the atlas section for maximum visual impact. New World coverage has been extended for both Australia and South America; some New World regions even have their own entries for the first time, including Rutherford, Oakville, and Stag’s Leap from California; Mendoza (Argentina); Limestone Coast (Australia); Central Otago and Martinborough (New Zealand); and Constantia (South Africa). And Old World coverage has grown too, with the addition of Toro (Spain), the Peleponnese (Greece), and Georgia. It’s a truly incomparable book, and an essential addition to every wine lover’s or professional’s library.

Gary Vaynerchuk's 101 Wines: Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World

Gary Vaynerchuk

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Rodale Books Amazon Marketplace: 47 new & used starting at $8.90

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Millions have logged onto Gary Vaynerchuk's Wine Library TV—watching him boldly and unconventionally rate hundreds of wines. Viewers are attracted to his youthful energy, unique voice, and often outrageous descriptions. Now, in Gary Vaynerchuk's 101 Wines, Vaynerchuk reveals his first ranked list of the most exciting and tantalizing spirits he has sampled while traveling the globe.

Deeming himself "the wine guy for the average Joe," Vaynerchuk avoids the pomposity of traditional educators. Unlike wine guides that lack animation and lecture rather than inspire, 101 Wines shows you how to develop the necessary go-drink-wine attitude. Vaynerchuk encourages you to trust your own palate—stressing that your love of a certain wine makes it good regardless of what the experts or the price on the bottle say.

Vaynerchuk's recommendations span a wide range of prices, nations, grapes, and styles—allowing everyone from novices to connoisseurs to expand their wine horizons. Unlock the secret to why Vaynerchuk labels wines "From Ruins to Riches," "Red with Fish," and "Not Your Father’s Spumante." Discover wines that taste like ones 10 times their price. Read as Vaynerchuk illuminates his top choices with vivid terminology such as "Bring the Thunder" and "Riding the Rainbow." Demystify conventions that once limited your wine-tasting desires. Journey through wine styles and break down barriers with his technical notes and stories behind the vintage. Smile as you realize you too can become a wine aficionado.

With your newfound knowledge, you will out-entertain and enlighten your friends, host extraordinary parties and treat your taste buds to an exhilarating ride. So if you are ready to become a "Vayniac"—one devoted to selecting wines based on Vaynerchuk's innovative principles—grab that corkscrew because a wine sampling adventure like no other awaits.

The Wine Trials: 100 Everyday Wines Under $15 that Beat $50 to $150 Wines in Brown-Bag Blind Tastings

Robin Goldstein, Alexis Herschkowitsch

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Fearless Critic Media Amazon Marketplace: 24 new & used starting at $8.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Delivers on its Promise 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I first read about this book from Eric Asimov, wine writer for the New York Times, in his "The Pour" blog. Mr. Asimov had mixed feelings about the book before even reviewing it. Seeing as the fundamental theory of the book runs fully in the face of the current wine establishment (that more expensive wine = better wine), the authors set out to objectively prove that widely available wines can be both inexpensive and very enjoyable, in a full range of styles (Old Word Heavy Reds, New World Light Whites, etc.). You can read a fuller review of this great and thought-provoking book on my food and wine blog, [...]

Editorial Review:

6,000 glasses of evidence that will change the way you buy wine: Hide the label...and the truth comes out. Acclaimed Fearless Critic Robin Goldstein has gone around the country serving 6,000 glasses of wine from brown paper bags to experts and everyday wine drinkers around America. Here, in print for the first time, are the shocking results, including full-page reviews of the 100 wines that beat $50 to $150 bottles in the blind tastings.

Wine For Dummies (For Dummies (Cooking))

Ed McCarthy, Mary Ewing-Mulligan

Amazon Price: $14.95 List Price: $21.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: For Dummies Amazon Marketplace: 77 new & used starting at $7.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 62 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In Wine for Dummies, Mary Ewing-Mulligan teams up with hubby and fellow wine educator Ed McCarthy to guide us on an exhaustive, entertaining trip around the enological--that's right, enological--world. Though clearly experts themselves (Ewing-Mulligan is one of a handful of Americans holding the rare title Master of Wine), the authors assure us that even the most basic knowledge will undermine the very notion of wine pretension. It's as simple as this: "This wine is named for a grape variety. This wine is named for a geographical region. When they make this kind of wine, it goes into this kind of bottle." And so on.

By providing the context in which to begin exploring wine, Wine for Dummies can easily become the send-off for a lifelong education. McCarthy and Mulligan deflate many of the wine snob's attitudes; they assure us that most wine sold today is "good wine," and that any further distinctions made about wine are ultimately subjective. The practical, jovial mentoring the authors provide encourages readers to chart their own course toward drinking great wine (although the authors naturally recommend dozens of their own favorites along the way). In later chapters, McCarthy and Mulligan delve into more serious topics such as investing in and cellaring wine. Even these discussions seem appropriate, given that you'll probably find the allure of wine growing as its mystery subsides to the force of this superb introductory text. --Todd Gehman

The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World from Parkerization

Alice Feiring

Amazon Price: $15.64 List Price: $23.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Harcourt Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $10.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 18 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

"I want my wines to tell a good story. I want them natural and most of all, like my dear friends, I want them to speak the truth even if we argue,” says Alice Feiring. Join her as she sets off on her one-woman crusade against the tyranny of homogenization, wine consultants, and, of course, the 100-point scoring system of a certain all-powerful wine writer. Traveling through the ancient vineyards of the Loire and Champagne, to Piedmont and Spain, she goes in search of authentic barolo, the last old-style rioja, and the tastiest new terroir-driven champagnes. She reveals just what goes into the average bottle—the reverse osmosis, the yeasts and enzymes, the sawdust and oak chips—and why she doesn’t find much to drink in California. And she introduces rebel winemakers who are embracing old-fashioned techniques and making wines with individuality and soul.

No matter what your palate, travel the wine world with Feiring and you’ll have to ask yourself: What do i really want in my glass?

Italian Wines 2008 (Italian Wines)

Gambero Rosso

Amazon Price: $23.10 List Price: $35.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Gambero Rosso Amazon Marketplace: 30 new & used starting at $18.99

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Absolutely essential for the advanced Italian wine lover 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

The eleventh edition of Italian Wines 2008 is a translation of the 21st edition of the Italian version. It is the world's most complete guide to Italian wines. Over 16,000 wines are reviewed, selected by more than 120 tasters.

Wines are rated from one to three bicchieri ("glasses"); a Tre Bicchiere ("three glasses") award is high praise indeed. The book contains an enormous amount of information about each of the producers covered as well as useful appendices about past award winners and how they have aged, the best producers, and increasingly information about wineries that are sensitive to the environment or that seek to use natural or biodynamic methods in producing wine.

The Italian version was a great success from the very first edition. Much of that success came from the close relationship with the Slow Food movement, which is one of the publishers of the series. (The Pleasures of Slow Food: Celebrating Authentic Traditions, Flavors, and Recipes by Eric Schlosser, Corby Kummer, and Susie Cushner is an excellent introduction to the movement.)

A couple of years ago, Carlo Petrini, the founder of the Slow Food Movement, announced that he felt this annual guide had become too commercial and he wanted to replace it with a more wholesome guide in line with the principles on which Slow Food is based. Certainly many of Slow Food's other books have a much more purist focus than the Gambero Rosso wine guide. However, the guides are proven money makers, and the series still continues, despite hot debates about the future. One straw in the wind; the sensitivity to environmental issues has increased in each of the past three issues.

Economics and politics play a major part in the ratings. Wines are rated in "peer groups" so that a Tre Bicchiere from one group might be a much better wine than a Tre Bicchiere from another group. Many readers hate the peer group approach, feel the three glass system lacks the sensitivity of Parker's 100 point system, and bemoan the politics inherent in the awards. (This is Italy after all and the publishers make no apologies for political decisions.)

Whatever the weaknesses in this series, anyone seriously interested in Italian wine simply has to buy each of these volumes. Over time they become an enormous reservoir of information. The more casual wine lover probably should find a simpler, more direct approach to learning about Italian wines. A couple of suggestions might include Vino Italiano Buying Guide - Revised and Updated: The Ultimate Quick Reference to the Great Wines of Italy by Joseph Bastianich or the even more general guide by Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2008: 31st Edition.

Editorial Review:

A comprehensive guide to the delicious world of Italian wine

Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2008: 31st Edition (Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book)

Hugh Johnson

Amazon Price: $10.17 List Price: $14.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: MITCH Amazon Marketplace: 54 new & used starting at $7.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Wine & Winemaking

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 9 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Thank God for Pockets 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Wow, what a great little wine guide. Has saved my pallet many times over the past couple of months by steering me towards much better wines. Fun, easy and quick to use. I use it at the wine shop, the grocery store and online. An easy way to meet people in the wine aisle! You may leave the store with more than a bottle of wine and a wedge of cheese!! Cheers!!!

Editorial Review:

Hugh Johnson has won a legion of fans with his keen ability to make the sometimes complex topic of wine wonderfully lucid—and every year, his popular pocket guide is a bestseller. That makes it number one in the market. Here, he has completely revised and updated this classic, offering more current news than ever on over 6,000 wines, growers, and regions, along with up-to-the-minute vintage information, recommended wines (including budget options), and star ratings. With this book in hand, wine lovers won’t need anything else to help them select anything from a bottle for an everyday dinner to a prestige vintage for investment. A new section showcases Johnson’s special, personal choices, and there are plenty of quick-reference maps, charts, and fact boxes for a little extra guidance.

Cheese & Wine: A Guide to Selecting, Pairing, and Enjoying

Janet Fletcher

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Chronicle Books Amazon Marketplace: 41 new & used starting at $9.98

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Cooking by Ingredient -> Cheese & Dairy
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Somewhat decent but lacking overall 3 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

Janet Fletcher's "Cheese & Wine," is a decent compendium of the major Western European and American cheeses of the world but is somewhat lacking in basic information to make this is a must-buy. For starters, it is disappointing that only (approximately) half of the 70 cheeses listed in the book are accompained by photographic images. For a book that purports itself to be a good starting point for cheese novices this lack of visual information is a serious mis-cue. Another point that was disappointing was the lack of any pricing info on the assortment of cheeses. Even the most cursory inclusion of the general pricing for each item would have been greatly welcome. That being said the photos that are included are all spectacular and it goes without saying that the overall construction and layout of this tome is extremely well-done and very handsome throughout.

Editorial Review:

From the best-selling author of The Cheese Course comes a new guide to enjoying one of the most basic yet sophisticated culinary delights: cheese and wine. Janet Fletcher leads readers on an international tour of 70 cheeses, exploring the best wine pairings and serving suggestions. From Oregon's autumnal Rogue River Blue to aromatic Brin d'Amour evocative of the Corsican countryside, cheese lovers will savor the range of textures, flavors, and colors. Featuring mouth-watering color photography and detailed, informative text, this collection of cheeses and the wines that go with them will inspire perfect pairings.

Wine Report 2008 (Wine Report)

Tom Stevenson

Amazon Price: $10.20 List Price: $15.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: DK ADULT Amazon Marketplace: 37 new & used starting at $8.00

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Spirits
Subjects -> Cooking, Food & Wine -> Drinks & Beverages -> Wine -> Buying Guides

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Best format for travelling wine guide 4 out of 5 stars.
15 of 18 people found this review helpful.

Wine Report 2008 (Wine Report) My copy of this book arrived this morning and I am most impressed. It has a great, easy to follow lay out that is packed with useful information. It does assume that you know about wine and want to get a source of reliable information about vintage, producers and pricings from around the globe. I live in Australia but friends and myself have visited wine regions in France, USA, Chile, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa over the last twelve months and generally speaking found the comments from contributing editors to be spot on. I have a bias against Cabernet style wines and towards Pinot Noir yet it even has enough information to satisfy me in most countries. I was a little disappointed to see so little on the great Pinots from Oregon and heaps on the Cab style wines of Washington. Of course if Tom banned all comments about Cabernet and Bordeaux I would be happier but that would probably upset the wine majority who consume Cabernet style wines. In summary, quick and easy to navigate around with great information about most wine producing areas of the globe that is up to date.

Editorial Review:

The essential insider's guide to every major wine-growing region in the world, this book offers dozens of helpful Top 10 lists covering a broad range of topics, including Best-Value Producers, Greatest-Quality Wines, and Most Exciting or Unusual Finds. AUTHOR BIO: Tom Stevenson has been writing about wine for nearly thirty years and is the author of more than 20 books. He's been nominated Wine Writer of the Year on three occasions and received the coveted Wine Literary Award, America's lifetime achievement award for wine writing.