Anything But Chardonnay: A Guide to the Other Grapes

If you're a wine drinker who believes wine falls into either the 'chardonnay or cabernet' areas - ANYTHING BUT CHARDONNAY - A GUIDE TO THE OTHER GRAPES is for you. It comes from a wine and food journalist who explores both well-known and obscure varieties, pairing discussions of red and white blends with recipes of recommended international foods to be served with them. It's an outstanding introduction for any new to wines, and a recommended pick for any general-interest library strong in food and wine guides. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Tired of chardonnay? Yeah, me too. And that's why this book is such a treat. If you're not a wine snob and you want to broaden your palate, this book is like having a friend (and wine expert) hold your hand. It introduces you to wine varieties you've never heard of, and puts a new face to some you know well. The writer's style is totally accessible--there's no wine snob attitude here; just friendly, hip advice that so far (for me) has been 100% spot on. I refer to it when entertaining or going to a friends for dinner and find the food-pairing information really helpful as is the nifty "dinner party trivia" which gives you nuggets of wine trivia to drop on your friends. Pair the book with a bottle of an unusual variety (there's plenty listed) and you've got a fab hostess gift.

I have a lot of friends who are enthusiastic about new wines and this is the best gift for men or women. It is written with a breezy insider's voice that is informed but fun and "quotable". Also like the hints for easy recipes that would complement the wine.

I love many of the wines that I've tried, but there's so much more out there. Just try going to any good wine store; how's a person supposed to know? For me, this book was a lot of fun to read. It painlessly educated me and I am on to new wine frontiers that I would not have explored before.