1000 Best Wine Secrets

by: Carolyn Hammond
Paperback 383 pages; October 2006. Sourcebooks, Inc. ISBN: 1402208081

If any of you are like me and just can't seem to find the time to sit down and read the wine books you've been meaning to, don't feel bad.  No matter how many times we try to set aside a few minutes here and there, something inevitably arises, taking precedence.  Well, luckily this weekend I put my foot down and  got a little reading in - of course the long weekend made it a bit easier to do so!  Another aspect that made it easier was this recently published book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, an engaging tell-all wine book, by Carolyn Hammond, which encompasses a friendly reading format.   

Hammond recognizes most people don't have the time or dedication to study every last detail of wine and its industry.  Yet, she acknowledges the desire many individuals have to learn about the various aspects of wine, particularly how to buy a good bottle with ease.  Therefore, she has created a simplistic, succinct, albeit in-depth book that allows one to explore the many aspects of wine, from buying quality wine, to knowing how to order it in a restaurant and pair properly with food, to tasting and serving wine and knowing when it's no good. 

1000 Great Wine Secrets also devotes a superb section to the various regions of the world, such as France, Italy, Spain & Portugal, Germany, the Mediterranean, America, Canada, and others.   I love how she gives the inside scoop on the best producers of each region and other inside tips.  Finally, Hammond offers secrets about wine and how to store it, and she talks about the many myths of wine that have been conjured up.  While there is a huge world wine market, the average person doesn't necessarily have a huge wallet for it.  Hammond recognizes this, and as such includes a list of 50 wines she thinks are of excellent quality, for under $20 !

Another reason I enjoyed this book so much is the style in which it's written.  For each section, or chapter, there are mini paragraphs illustrating facts in small doses.  Much of the information in this book would usually be found in 5 or more different books.  Now don't get me wrong, I love reading books on wine that are specific in scope.  However, not all people have the same dedication to wine. While Hammond may not elaborate on each point, she amplifies the basics significantly.  As such, This book is perfect for the beginner, the wine connoisseur, and the professional.  Sometimes, lengthy books on wine can be overwhelming to the everyday enthusiast.  1000 Best Wine Secrets takes away the intimidation other books can cause and instead provides manageable facts about wine, sure to turn any novice expert.

1000 Best Wine Secrets can be found on amazon and bn.

Carolyn Hammond holds a diploma from Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a Bachelor of Arts in English from York University.  She is internationally known for her writing in such magazines as Decanter, Wine & Spirit International, and various news papers.  Additionally, Hammond publishes wine writing and other features, including her services, on her website Wine-Tribune.   
 

Comments

[TCH]

It sounds like the ideal gift for a new wine enthusiast!