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From the encyclopedic to the personal, five books to help you uncork the mysteries of wine.
By Lawrence Osborne
"Nothing requires more taste than wine," says Osborne. It is the genius of his "irreverent journey" through the world of vines and vintages to take taste itself as his muse, and to chase it—"as solid as a soap bubble"—through Italy, France, and California in this singular, shrewd, very funny book.
By Hugh Johnson & Jancis Robinson
An essential reference compiled by two world-renowned oenophiles, covering everything from how wine is made to invaluable tips on choosing, storing, serving, and tasting—plus in-depth essays on every significant wine-producing region of the word. Large format, with hundreds of maps, photos, and illustrations.
Windows on the World Complete Wine Course
25th Anniversary Edition
By Kevin Zraly
Frank Prial of the New York Times got it just right when he said, "If you have never bought a wine book before, start with this one." From grape varietals to bottle labels, vineyards to store shelves, Zraly's easy-going authority will help you master the fundamentals and have fun while you're learning.
By Kermit Lynch
Since the early 1970s, when he opened his now famous Berkeley shop, wine merchant and importer Kermit Lynch has been waxing eloquent, erudite, and cantankerous in his monthly store brochure. This selection from his legendary communiqués is the most delicious browsing book a wine lover can discover.
Edited by Barry C. Smith
Is taste a function of the wine or the taster? Is an expert's enjoyment more valid than yours? Featuring accessible essays by philosophers, a linguist, a botanist, a winemaker, and a critic, this lively volume explores such questions in a way that will deepen your appreciation of wine from bouquet to finish.
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With dates announced for his upcoming Old Ideas concert tour, we celebrate the inimitable Leonard Cohen: bard, survivor, legend. His most recent album is a return to form for the balladeer, exploring signature themes of lust and longing, spirituality and struggle, all overlaid with a droll sense of humor as familiar as Cohen's prophetic voice.
When Jack Luxton hears that his estranged brother has been killed in combat, long-buried memories begin to well up like groundwater, and difficult choices Jack thought he reconciled himself to years ago turn out to be close at hand. Man Booker Prize-winner Graham Swift's novel plumbs timeless themes of regret, renewal, and the bonds of love.
The opening story in Matthew Battles's electric collection, "The Dogs in the Trees", documents the inexplicable appearance of arboreal canines. Further gorgeous fantastika follows, producing a volume sure to draw comparisons to Borges and George Saunders.
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