Wine Uncorked: A Practical Introduction to Tasting and Enjoying Wine

With less than 150 glossy, spacious, generously illustrated, 8 1/2" by 11" pages, Wine Uncorked is no tomb. On the other hand, it's no sappy coffee table pictorial either. It's a useful wine digest, with emphasis on tasting, in a very visually stimulating presentation. What really sets this book apart from the others is it's unique approach to understanding the complexities of wine tasting. A taster's toolbox, if you will, without the wine speak or wine geek. Fiona Beckett has a real flair for relating the complex flavors and aromas in each varietal into common sensory experiences. She uses tables and visual elements, such as tasting wheels, and her own extensive knowledge to break down an intimidating process in a practical way. The colorful tasting wheels categorically illustrate the full spectrum of flavors and aromas found in wine. A specific aroma like Yeast, bread or biscuits fall in the nutty category and are typical of champagne while toast, in the same category is indicative of wood finished chardonnay. The flavor wheels help in understanding the relationship between specific components and how they relate to each other and are manifested in certain red and white varieties. Ms Beckett lays the foundation then explores the more subtle influences such as soil, climate, the effect of wood and fermentation. She goes on to explain these attributes from a regional perspective. Why is pinot noir from Burgundy different than pinot noir from California or Washington or Oregon? Although the book deals with wine appreciation in depth, ancillary subjects are generally brief. It's Light and entertaining providing an overview of most every aspect of wine without being overbearing. A great primer on wine but comprehensive, it has a lot to offer the wine expert as well. I found this book extremely helpful in understanding some my own peculiar tasting sensations. Sometimes a personally familiar aroma or taste can lead you to a better descriptor. Wine uncorked helped me make sense of the scents. Bubble gum and shoe polish really are legitimate scents after all. It turns out they are reminiscent of pear and wood. This book is nicely bound and beautifully illustrated so it makes a nice gift, but be sure to keep one for yourself. I'm on my third copy.