"This guide describes the origin and characteristics of the most important wine varieties available in the United States, and includes a table of suggested food-and-wine pairings at the end of the guide. It is intended to provide a quick reference for both the novice wine drinker and for the more experienced person who would simply like a guide to a good wine to serve with dinner."

JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER The expanded wine guide from the creators of Wine Folly, packed with new information for devotees and newbies alike. Wine Folly became a sensation for its inventive, easy-to-digest approach to learning about wine. Now in a new, expanded hardcover edition, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is the perfect guide for anyone looking to take his or her wine knowledge to the next level. Wine Folly: Magnum Edition includes: more than 100 grapes and wines color-coded by style so you can easily find new wines you'll love; a wine region explorer with detailed maps of the top wine regions, as well as up-and-coming areas such as Greece and Hungary; wine labeling and classification 101 for wine countries such as France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Austria; an expanded food and wine pairing section; a primer on acidity and tannin--so you can taste wine like a pro; more essential tips to help you cut through the complexity of the wine world and become an expert. Wine Folly: Magnum Edition is the must-have book for the millions of fans of Wine Folly and for any budding oenophile who wants to boost his or her wine knowledge in a practical and fun way. It's the ultimate gift for any wine lover.

"This guide describes the origin and characteristics of the most important wine varieties available in the United States, and includes a table of suggested food- and-wine pairings at the end of the guide. It is intended to provide a quick reference for both the novice wine drinker and for the more experienced person who would simply like a guide to a good wine to serve with dinner."

a quick, basic guide for everyone who wants to know just enough about wine to enjoy it . "Dewey Markham's book reinforces the simple pleasures a bottle of wine brings at the table with good food, good friends and family. He takes the mystery, which often alienates new wine drinkers, out of wine, while retaining the romance that makes wine unique." --Robert Mondavi from the Foreword In this light-hearted and intelligent reference, wine authority Dewey Markham gives you, faster than you ever thought possible, the confidence and knowledge to really enjoy choosing and drinking wine. You'll learn how to apply the principles and information in this book to any wine you may encounter, no matter where it is made. Through a series of quick takes, Markham shows you: * How to deal with wine lists and waiters * How to get the best value when buying wine in a store * How to decipher the ten standard items of information on every wine label * A simple method for judging the quality of any wine * How to store and serve wine * How wine is made and packaged Wine Basics also uses easy-to-understand charts to illustrate the range of tastes in white and red wines and includes a comprehensive but user-friendly vocabulary to describe these tastes.

"A hip, new guide to wine for the new generation of wine drinkers, from the sommelier creators of the award-wining site WineFolly.com"--Provided by publisher.

The French word terroir is used to describe all the ecological factors that make a particular type of wine special to the region of its origin. James E. Wilson uses his training as a geologist and his years of research in the wine regions of France to fully examine the concept of terroir. The result combines natural history, social history, and scientific study, making this a unique book that all wine connoisseurs and professionals will want close at hand. In Part One Wilson introduces the full range of environmental factors that together form terroir. He explains France's geological foundation; its soil, considered the "soul" of a vineyard; the various climates and microclimates; the vines, their history and how each type has evolved; and the role that humans--from ancient monks to modern enologists--have played in viticulture. Part Two examines the history and habitat of each of France's major wine regions. Wilson explores the question of why one site yields great wines while an adjacent site yields wines of lesser quality. He also looks at cultural influences such as migration and trade and at the adaptations made by centuries of vignerons to produce distinctive wine styles. Wilson skillfully presents both technical information and personal anecdotes, and the book's photographs, maps, and geologic renderings are extremely helpful. The appendices contain a glossary and information on the labeling of French wines. With a wealth of information explained in clear English, Wilson's book enables wine readers to understand and appreciate the mystique of terroir. The French word terroir is used to describe all the ecological factors that make a particular type of wine special to the region of its origin. James E. Wilson uses his training as a geologist and his years of research in the wine regions of France to fully examine the concept of terroir. The result combines natural history, social history, and scientific study, making this a unique book that all wine connoisseurs and professionals will want close at hand. In Part One Wilson introduces the full range of environmental factors that together form terroir. He explains France's geological foundation; its soil, considered the "soul" of a vineyard; the various climates and microclimates; the vines, their history and how each type has evolved; and the role that humans--from ancient monks to modern enologists--have played in viticulture. Part Two examines the history and habitat of each of France's major wine regions. Wilson explores the question of why one site yields great wines while an adjacent site yields wines of lesser quality. He also looks at cultural influences such as migration and trade and at the adaptations made by centuries of vignerons to produce distinctive wine styles. Wilson skillfully presents both technical information and personal anecdotes, and the book's photographs, maps, and geologic renderings are extremely helpful. The appendices contain a glossary and information on the labeling of French wines. With a wealth of information explained in clear English, Wilson's book enables wine readers to understand and appreciate the mystique of terroir.

An introduction to the world of wine by the acclaimed wine writer covers the basics of grapes, regions, and vintages, and ends his tour on the wine rack with valuable advice on how to choose the best bottle.