First Big Crush, by Eric Arnold

A fresh, raw perspective on the harsh reality of being a winemaker.  We all think the job of making wine must be as glorious as drinking it, but Eric Arnold shows us a different side in his new book First Big Crush. 

Having just been fired from his job, or quitting it, depending on which part of the book you read, Arnold sets out to learn more about wine by heading to New Zealand and obtaining a year long apprenticeship at Allan Scott Wines.  Initially he's expecting "the good life," leisurely walking vineyards, tasting wine and good food.  On the contrary, he discovers winemaking to involve mostly cleaning and that winemakers are a little nutty. 

Part one illustrates the intricacies of the harvest, the technical aspects of using the equipment and what a dirty, physically painstaking adventure wine crush can be.  He does his best to balance the boring (to some people) technicalities with his rough sense of humor and drunken stupor stories that will definitely leave you laughing. 

Arnold goes on to introduce the reader to the stages of winemaking, beginning to end, and all things related to it in part two.  He touches on blending, the reasons behind it and why you shouldn't get upset when you find out there's some Chardonnay in your Sauvignon Blanc!  And of course Arnold couldn't get away without mentioning the importance of screwcaps seeing as New Zealand, along with Australia, has been at the forefront of The Debate.  One chapter, And the Winner Is...No One, talks about those beloved wine rating systems and the fact that so many people get caught up in buying and drinking wines because they were rated 90 + points by Robert Parker, rather than because they truly like the wine.  I firmly believe that people should try all types of wine, regardless of the rating system.  There are so many delicious wines out there that get snubbed because they don't have a rating attached to them and that's a sad thing. 

Part three focuses on vineyard management and preparing to start the cycle all over once again.  He discusses how wineries tend to have a hard time finding devoted workers due to the reality check that sets in.  Finally, Arnold emphasizes the troubles for both growers and laborers when it comes to the vineyard. 

No, the intentions of this book are not to completely destroy every wonderful thought you had about wine, viticulture and viniculture.  However, it's important to understand that the delectable wine you consumer with such ease, doesn't come with the same ease.  Winemakers love what they do, and it is a rewarding career, but it doesn't come without sacrifice.   

Overall I found the book funny and enjoyable, but I did find Arnold's writing a little rough around the edges.  Nonetheless, I suggest you drink some wine and read along, because the author did while writing it (maybe that's why the writing is a little disjointed). Click below to buy the book.