Wine book recommendations – a pick of vintage 2010
A bottle of wine and a good book or iPhone app
Robyn Lewis
Australian Wine Vintages 2011 by Robert Geddes MW
Many wine books in Australia are published in November, and some – including Nick Stock's – still have yet to arrive on our desks! A relaxing summer of reading lies ahead, but for those looking to buy now, for winelovers we recommend:
The standout wine book of 2010 is from Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein of the USA, now available in Australia (see link below):
Daring pairings – Evan Goldstein
Focussing purely on new or emerging grape varieties and matching them with recipes from thirty five of Evan Goldstein's favourite chefs. Perhaps the most exciting wine book to have crossed our desk in the past year or so. Read our review here »
Look out in coming months for excerpts from Daring Pairings, as we introduce you to some relatively new grape varieties and Goldstein's experienced views on what to match them with and how best to enjoy them.
[As this book is not yet in many Australian bookstores, Australian distributor Inbooks is offering VisitVineyards.com subscribers and Members 20% off RRP and free postage on purchases of Daring Pairings. Simply mention VisitVineyards.com when you order from Inbooks by phone (02) 8998 5037, fax (02) 8998 5090 or email orders@inbooks.com.au]
If you want to know more about who is growing what alternative grape variety and where in Australia there is also the new and completely revised edition of Vinodiversity – The Book by Darby Higgs.
Always a winner in Australia is:
Australian Wine Companion 2011 – James Halliday
James Halliday shares his extensive knowledge of wine via detailed tasting notes as well as details on wineries and information about winemakers. An indispensable reference for all enthusiasts of Australian wine »
One to provoke some thought on wine, and a great introduction to some of the up-and-coming winemakers, especially those with a bent for biodynamic wine is:
The Future Makers – Max Allen
The Future Makers, Australian Wines for the 21st century, provides a sound argument as to the benefits of so called 'alternative' viticultural and winemaking techniques. Celebrating wine producers around the nation who are doing things differently and doing them well »
A great gift for the person who has (nearly) everything is
Champagne and Chandeliers: Grand Dining Celebrations – Bernadette O'Shea
Champagne. The very word says celebration.
With over 200 of these ethereal wines matched to sumptuous banquets and French-inspired cuisine, Champagne and Chandeliers is an elegant, creative and poetic tribute to perhaps the world's most famous wine: Champagne »
Do you or the winelover in your life enjoy Riesling? Anyone whose favourite white is this most elegant of wine grapes will enjoy:
Riesling in Australia – Ken Helm and Trish Burgess
In 1788 the First Fleet carried grapevines to Australia, laying the foundation of the Australian wine industry. Now, 222 years later, the first book dedicated just to Riesling in Australia has been published.
Learn about the history, the regions, the legends and the producers of Riesling in Australia »
Three more Australian wine guides we find indispensable are:
The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11 – Campbell Mattinson and Gary Walsh
The third edition of The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11 and this year it's a ripper. Covering over 930 new releases plus select back vintages, this is one wine book you'll need to skim the cream from the red wine lake. All the bargains and the best, from A$3 to $600 »
Australian Wine Vintages 2011 – Robert Geddes MW
Celebrating its 28th birthday the Gold Book is looking as classy as ever. Everything you need to know for happy wine buying, drinking and cellaring »
Feedback we've received on Australian Wine Vintages 2011 has been terrific.
Ray Jordan's 2011 wa wine guide
For lovers of things vine from Western Australia. A stunner. Review coming soon.
Sometime between the start of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race and Term 1 we'll be reviewing the latecomers and those we simply haven't had time to get to yet, plus the new crop of iPhone (and iPad) apps that promise to give some print guides a run for their money. Meanwhile, here's Mashable's Top 10 apps for wine enthusiasts in 2010. Stay tuned and enjoy.
And don't forget you can win a copy of Daring Pairings by Evan Goldstein (or one of 9 other delightful books) in our festive season book giveaway – click here to find out more »
You might also like a free copy of Max Allen's The Wine Map of Australia for your library or cellar wall.
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The latest edition of the Gold Book - Australian Wine Vintages - is here, celebrating its 28th birthday and looking as classy as ever. Everything you need to know ... happy wine buying, drinking and cellaring »
Daring pairings by Master Sommelier Evan Goldstein is a welcome arrival focussing purely on new or emerging grape varieties and matching them with recipes from thirty five of his favourite chefs »
The third edition of The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11 hits the shelves for the start of the southern winter and this year it’s a ripper. Covering over 930 new releases ... to skim the cream from the red wine lake »
In 1788 the First Fleet carried grapevines to Australia, laying the foundation of the Australian wine industry. Now, 222 years later, the first book dedicated just ... Riesling in Australia has been published »
James Halliday shares his extensive knowledge of wine via detailed tasting notes as well as details on wineries and information about winemakers. for all enthusiasts of Australian wine »
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