How to Uncover Outstanding Wine Tasting Book for Geeks

Is Wine Folly the best wine tasting book for you?

You are looking for a single wine tasting book to find the best information about how to taste wine, yes?

This dynamic wine tasting book, with its colorful, fun, easy-to-read infographics, is one of the best books on wine tasting that you can find.

Wine Tasting Book : Author Madeline Puckette

Madeline Puckette is the co-author of Wine Folly and Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide with Justin Hammack,
Wine Tasting Book author Madeline Puckette did not start off in life as a wine writer.

It wasn’t until she was 21 years old -and a student at Cal Arts – that she realized her passion for wine. And this was without reading a single wine tasting book.

**Click Here for Wine Resources**

Early Passion of Wine Tasting Book Author

“My father always loved wine. For my birthday, my father gave me a gift. It wasn’t for a wine tasting book. Instead, it was a subscription so that every so often[socialpug_tweet tweet=”I would receive a collection of delicious wines I could taste and enjoy.”” display_tweet=””]

“As soon as I tasted one of these delicious wines– a Cote du Rhone – I thought it smelled and tasted like olives. From that moment on I became curious about why a wine like a Cote du Rhone had the aroma of olives. This is the exact moment that set me on my journey.”

Ms Puckette graduated college with a dual diploma in graphic design and music. She planned to make her living as a graphic artist…

,,,,until she made it as a rock star.

Wine Folly : Best Selling Wine Tasting Book

Life didn’t turn out that way for the best-selling wine tasting book author.

Soon after she found work as a graphic artist in Reno, Madeline became laid off in the recession of 2008.

By that time, she discovered the Court of Master Sommeliers. Madeline joined and achieved her Introductory and Certified Sommelier diploma.

At the same time Madeline also sought out part-time work in bars and restaurants. In these positions, Madeline interacted with customers and answered their questions about wine. Writing a wine tasting book wasn’t on the agenda.

But money was on her mind. How could she combine her experience with wine and graphic arts? How could she create a viable project to survive in the long term? [socialpug_tweet tweet=”How could she turn her love of wine and graphic arts into a profession?” display_tweet=””]

This is how the book Wine Folly, the ultimate wine tasting book, was born.

Wine Tasting Book Publishing Journey

“My publishers (Avery) felt they were taking a chance on Wine Folly with so many graphics and little text by comparison in this wine tasting book. But everything worked out in the end,” she says.

“I worked very hard to promote Wine Folly through social media.[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Eventually my wine tasting book ended up in the New York Times bestseller list under cookbooks.” display_tweet=””]That was when I realized my wine tasting book was a success.”

Wine Tasting Book Wine Folly : A “Must Read”

Wine Folly has been a “must read” among the various wine educational certification programs, including the Court of Master Sommeliers and also the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust (WSET).

“One of the many highlights of Wine Folly are the comments of people who enjoyed reading it. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”One woman wrote in an Amazon review that my wine tasting book not only enabled her to pass her WSET Level 3 Awards in wine, but to pass with honors.” ” display_tweet=””]

The next wine tasting book, Wine Folly: Magnum Edition: The Master Guide, published in 2018. This wine tasting book was also a success. This is an expanded, hardcover edition of many of the concepts covered in original Wine Folly, but with twice as many grapes covered (100).

Readers will discover maps much improved, and will find more wine and food pairings.

Why Readers Connect with Madeline Puckette and her Wine Tasting Book

“My wine tasting books appeal to visual learners,” says Ms. Puckette. “This is important, as people learn in unique ways.”

And it’s true.

Before Wine Folly came along, most people had to thumb through dull, text-heavy reference books to get key information about a favorite wine.
Or spend several minutes hopscotching advertisements on the Internet to find a wine article with actual substance.

Wine Folly is one of the best go-to references for learning about a new wine in a quick, efficient fashion.

In most traditional books, readers start in the middle and continue in a linear fashion to the end, Both Wine Folly books serve as reference books. This is especially true of people studying for wine certification examinations.

Wine Tasting Book : An Inside Peek of Wine Folly

Let us assume you are curious about Sangiovese. Let’s even imagine you are tasting a glass of this wine. A quick glance at the two-page Sangiovese section will tell you the region(s) it is from (Tuscany and Umbria) and some good food pairing suggestions.

In virtually all the many wine education programs (Wine and Spirits Educational Trust, The Court of Master Sommeliers, Wine Scholar Guild, Society of Wine Educators, etc.) students must learn how to identify wine “blind.”

This means that in an examination, the student will be served an unlabeled wine with few clues to its origin.

Colorful illustrations in Wine Folly explain how different wines give many clues about their variety.

For instance, a pale garnet color in a wine can be typical of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, and Zinfandel.

The authors have created beautifully illustrated “flavor wheels” for each international wine variety.

In Wine Folly, Sangiovese is described as having an herbal, floral, red fruit, and black fruit character. Sangiovese, Wine Folly says, also has an earthy assortment of flavors and aromas.

Wine Tasting Book : Having Fun Learning with Wine Folly

As you search the various grape varieties, you will find the specific fruit or herb are further broken down.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Wine Folly explains that after carefully noting the color of the wine, one would assess the aromas then the flavors ” display_tweet=””]. Structure (the texture of the tannins, the level of acidity, and the level of alcohol) are also key factors in correctly identifying a wine.

Only after carefully examining each element could a taster deduce the likely possibilities of its variety and origin.

Wines Organized by Country and Type

One of the biggest bonuses of this wine tasting book is that the authors categorize wines by country and type.

So if you are interested in sparkling wine, you can see Champagne, Cava, Prosecco and more. The fortified wine section will reveal the unique type of Sherry, Port, and so forth.
Wine Folly is a helpful resource that belongs on the shelf – or inside the phone for the online ebook edition – of everyone who wants to know more about wine.

Curious about Pinot Noir from Willamette? **Read the Forbes.com Article Here**

Like this article? Chcck out these excellent wine book reviews here.

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Video on Rose Wine Via Wine Folly

The post How to Uncover Outstanding Wine Tasting Book for Geeks appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Wine Basics For Beginners 

When it comes to wine basics for beginners, one of the best resources can be found in the sommelier world.

A sommelier is a wine enthusiast who, at top restaurants, earned educational credentials as a specialist in wine.

Like most people who want to learn about wine, sommeliers start out learning the basics.

If you want to increase your wine knowledge, start with wine basics.

You will also want to begin wine tasting sessions and record your tasting notes in a book.

Wine Basics For Beginners

**Click Here for Wine Resources**

We can easily divide the world of wine into a few easy-to master-categories.

Let’s start with red wine and white wine.

In this brief introduction to wine basics, let us familiarize ourselves with just three of the most popular international grape varieties for red wines.

And three of the most popular grape varieties for white wines.

Wine Basics For Beginners : International Red Wine Varieties

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir are grown around the world. You can find these three core red wine varieties in an assortment of unique styles, different quality levels, and varying price points.

For international red wine varieties, you will want to taste them a focus on their structure and tannins.

We can think of tannins as the tea-like astringent feeling you experience when the wine goes from your mouth to your throat.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Many people feel that Pinot Noir, for example, has silky tannins. ” display_tweet=””]

In contrast, some people think that Cabernet Sauvignon has tannins more similar to velvet.

Wine Basics For Beginners : International White Wine Varieties

Some of the most popular white wine varieties are Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Grigio.

White wines are often characterized by their aroma. Sauvignon Blanc remains the classic example of a white wine with a very intense aromatic profile.

Additionally, white wines are often judged on their acididty. Acidity can be described as the refreshing sensation you feel when you take a sip of wine from a variety such as Pinot Grigio. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”It’s almost like an enlivening squeeze of tart lemon as it refreshes the mouth.” display_tweet=””]

Wine Basics For Beginners : Sparkling Wines

Virtually every country in the world makes sparkling wines. You will find several ways to add the “sparkle” to wine. They employ some methods to keep fruity aromas in a wine, like Prosecco.

Other methods are time-intensive, such as the “traditional method” used in Champagne. In this method the fruity flavors are deliberately repressed. Instead the winemaking process encourages the wine to take on yeasty, brioche (baked bread) flavors via long aging on the spent yeast cells called lees.

Wine Basics for Beginners: A Sommelier Speaks

Aldo Sohm remains one of the most well-known wine tasting professionals in the world.

In 2007 he won the Best Sommelier in America competition. In 2018, he won the Best Sommelier in the World competition.

Normally, Aldo Sohm can be found working the floor as wine director / sommelier of the 3 star Michelin restaurant Le Bernardin in New York City.

Aldo Sohm also looks after the Aldo Sohm Wine Bar just a few steps away from the Le Bernardin restaurant.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar was partly created for wine enthusiasts who enjoy finding “undiscovered gems.”” display_tweet=””]These gems are less expensive than most of the wines at Le Bernardin.

The Aldo Sohm Wine Bar also offers wine from a wide variety of wine regions around the world.

Wine Basics For Beginners

For well over a decade, Mr. Sohm has developed a reputation for helping customers learn about wine.

This includes the mostly wealthy, business-oriented crowd who visit Le Bernardin. As well as the“wine geeks” who flock to the Aldo Sohm wine bar.

Wine Basics for Beginners : Aldo Sohm Wine Bar

Many guests at the Aldo Sohm wine bar are wine enthusiasts who want to learn more about wine.

Many are also in wine certification programs like the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust.

During our interview about wine basics for beginners,, Mr. Sohm revealed he became interested in wine at a very young age.

He worked in a variety of restaurants in his native Austria, first as a server.

It was in this position that he observed people ordering wine and became fascinated by the subject.

He begins to order books (this was in the days before Kindle) and study wine. Then he moved to New York and got a sommelier job at the Austrian restaurant, Wallsé.

Eventually, his desire to learn more about the winemaking process would see him develop a partnership with Austria’s Gerhard Kracher.

Aldo Sohm has been working at Le Bernardin for over 15 years. He remains a very welcome face for the restaurant’s many wine-loving regular customers.

In speaking about Mr. Sohm, guests often mention that in ordering a bottle of wine, they receive a mini-education about the region and the style.

Wine Basics : The New Internet World of Wine

Mr. Sohm remembers the difficulty of studying wine in Austria. The key challenge was the difficulty of ordering foreign wine books in the pre-Internet days.

Today, he says, it is much easier for wine lovers to learn about wine. And towards this end, he felt compelled to write a book.

Wine Basics for Beginners : Education Made Easy

“Much of the book is based on the questions people ask me at the restaurant and wine bar,” Mr. Sohm says.

“This includes subjects like the origin of different wines, how I go about pairing wine with a dish, and the best value alternatives to very rare and expensive wines.”

Wine Basics for Beginners : Wine Simple

The book, Wine Simple: A Totally Approachable Guide from a World Class Sommelier, is available now

Mr. Sohm explains his reasons for writing a wine book, while there are already so many books to choose from.

Wine Basics for Beginners : Simple Language

“Most wine books are written by professional writers,” he explains. “The language can intimidate to someone who’s just learning about wine. The aim of the book is to make the wine simple for everyone to understand.”

Wine Simple, with its colorful infographics, has received very positive reviews and is a great tool for the new wine lover.

**Curious about Willamette Pinot Noir** Read the article via #Forbes

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post Wine Basics for Beginners appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Do you love wine enough to devote a career to it?

Certain people do.

In the style of Jack Kerouac’s classic novel On The Road , they see the career of a wine importer as a wine-fueled adventure – and also a way of making a livelihood.

The Fantasy and the Reality of a Wine Importer

Kermit Lynch, founder of Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants, was one of the first to make this dream a reality. He recounted his experiences in the book Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer’s Tour of France.

In it, Lynch documented his travels to Europe in the 1970s. His mission was to find quality producers in various areas of France, many of whom he still represents today.

**Click Here to See the Original Content of this Post on Forbes.Com**

Kermit Lynch: Motivations to Become a Wine Importer

Very few Americans made their living as independent wine importers in the 1970s. But Kermit Lynch was a man with a vision.

He had just invested nearly all of his money in a wine store in Berkeley, California. This small city on the east shore of the San Francisco Bay was the center of the “Flower Power” movement in 1969.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”You might also associate Berkeley with the food movement, marked by chef Alice Waters launching her restaurant Chez Panisse in 1971.” display_tweet=””] This restaurant  revolutionized the industry by its focus on local ingredients.

Kermit Lynch, similarly, revolutionized the way people thought about wine. In the 1970s, jug wine produced by big American brands sold on supermarket shelves.

**Click Here for Wine Resources**

Buyers rarely knew – or seem to care – that a bottle with the grape name Chardonnay on the label was really French Colombard. These grapes were harvested from high-yielding vineyards in California’s warm Central Valley.

Early Life of a Wine Importer

Though Mr. Lynch also sold domestic wine, he bought imported wine from distributors for his shop. He advanced relationships with these distributors, and finally was invited on a buying trip to Burgundy, France.  The primary grapes grown here are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”The focus of that first foreign wine buying trip was to visit small family wineries.” display_tweet=””]In his book, Mr. Lynch describes the eccentric families he met during the many visits.

Most of Mr. Lynch’s visits were pleasant. Families welcomed him as a VIP guest.

In the cellars, the vignerons gave Mr. Lynch tastes of their best wines. They stood by apprehensively as Mr. Lynch wrote notes in his tasting book.

Upon striking a deal to buy the wine, Mr. Lynch would use that tasting book to compare his impressions of the wine he tasted during the visit to the finished, bottled wine he received at his Berkeley shop.

Lunches at the wineries were usually simple, but celebratory events.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”The wives of the vignerons cooked delicious, fresh local dishes and paired them with the best wines the family estate had to offer. ” display_tweet=””]

The wives of the vignerons cooked delicious, fresh local dishes and paired them with the best wines the family estate offered.

Though Lynch describes life on the road as rough and demanding, he admits that along the way there were many pleasures to be offered. Notably they were in the form of discovering new producers from gossip in bars. Or hearing recommendations from restaurant owners eager to share the names of their favorite producers.

Depending on the specifics of his later trips to Burgundy, Mr. Lynch might drive several hours to the Loire Valley, the Rhone Valley, Provence, or Bandol to buy wines from new regions.

Eventually Mr. Lynch would turn his attention to regions outside France, especially Italy.

Wine Importer : Virtual Visit the “Old World”  

One of the many pleasures of Mr. Lynch’s classic book is that of convenient armchair travel. One of Mr. Lynch’s great skills is the  ability to share an impression of a time and place with readers with vivid description.

He dramatically recreates the personalities of small growers in a lively, humorous, yet realistic fashion.

The focus of that first foreign wine buying trip was to visit small family wineries. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”The focus of that first foreign wine buying trip was to visit small family wineries.” display_tweet=””]Then break bread with them at their family lunch table. Finally, after lunch, a reader can vicariously descend into their cellar and taste wine still maturing in barrique.

Wine Importer : A Classic Wine Road Trip

More than thirty years have passed since Mr. Lynch first wrote this book. Yet people active in the wine trade today will agree that while business models might have changed, the producers and their cellars have not.

For wine students and lovers of wine, this is a timeless “must have” book for observing all the different factors that go into the process of producing wine, importing wine, and then putting that wine on the market.

Wine Importer : Bottle Spinning with the Kermit Lynch Name

Americans are becoming familiar with European and other wines from around the world. Among wine lovers, it is becoming a habit to spin the bottle around in wine shops to see the name of the wine importer.

Often, I utilize this practice, especially if I’m deciding between two unknown wines. If I see Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant on the back label, I’m more inclined to take a chance on a new-to-me wine than an importer I do not recognize.

The Role of a Wine Importer Today

Today you will find many independent wine importers who have joined the wine trade. Some specialize in a single country. Others specialize in wines that are organic, biodynamic, or both. And some importers are even defining themselves and their companies by trend factors such as importing only high-elevation wines or volcanic wines.

Wine Importer : Risks and Rewards

Though you will find many rewards in the wine importer profession, risks exist.

Wine importers need to devote an impressive deal of energy to paperwork involving licenses and certifications beyond the basic permit. They will need a way to finance their enterprise, usually involving attaining a line of credit from the bank. Logistics such as shipping, warehousing, and delivery will need to be managed.

At this moment of time, many wine importers have taken pen to paper to write their own recollections of early days in the wine trade.

Yet among them, Kermit Lynch’s book Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine Buyer’s Tour of France will always stand out as a classic.

Curious to see the ORIGINAL book review on Forbes.com? Click Here

Like this article? Please SHARE using the links above and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Videos from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post 3 Powerful Secrets of a Wine Importer appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

How to Get Into Wine

As far as conversation starters go, asking someone how to get into wine will elicit a stimulating conversation.

In recounting their own stories, many people might point to wine-focused family dinners.

Others might mention an influential boyfriend or girlfriend who introduced them into wine.

Some people might suggest that books are the best way how to get into wine.

Getting Into Wine:  A Book, A Class, or a Lover??? ? 

Others might recommend classes, such as the WSET or the Court of Master Sommeliers, are the best way how to get into wine.

Books, classes, and just casual evenings out at your favorite bar are all good ways of how to get into wine.

One book in particular, Wine All the Time by Marissa A. Ross, should be tops when you are considering how to get into wine.

Like her target of mostly twenty-something female readers, Marissa A. Ross–a comic by profession–wanted to learn how to get into wine.

Marissa – like some of her readers – grew up in an upper middle class California family. She recalls that wine was served during the family’s many dinner parties.

How to Get Into Wine

At college, Marissa A. Ross bought mostly cheap wine. [bctt tweet=”When she was figuring out how to get into wine, one factor was understanding what made a cheap bottle of wine different from an expensive bottle.” username=”awinestory”]

To find out, she bought a lot of diverse bottles of wine and discussed their merits during an online, amateur wine review show.

Eventually, she got into wine formally by writing a book.

The result is an excellent wine education book Wine All The Time, even though Miss Ross underscores that she is a magazine lifestyle columnist, not a sommelier.

In the book, her mission is to help give people ways on how to get into wine by providing basic information about what makes popular wine A different from popular wine B.

How to Get Into Wine : Structure of the Book

Ms. Ross does an excellent job of revealing everything a wine novice needs to know her book Wine all the Time.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”She comforts budding wine enthusiasts by tearing down the confusing words reviewers used to describe wine.” display_tweet=””]

She comforts budding wine enthusiasts by tearing down the confusing words reviewers used to describe wine.

What does chewy tannins mean, for example?

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”What does chewy tannins mean, for example?” display_tweet=””]Ms. Ross explains that the term describes touch, rough tannins, a structure component in the wine resulting from both the grape itself, as well as long aging in wood.

Ms. Ross also explains the process of intricate winemaking techniques, such as carbonic maceration, in a manner easily understood by readers. This is a technique winemakers use to more quickly produce wine meant to drink early, with no aging.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Curious what is meant by a chewy, satin, or silky tannin? ” display_tweet=”” remove_url=”yes”]

**Best Wine Books Listed Here**

How to Get Into Wine : Understanding Wine Styles

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”In her book, Ms. Ross also takes care to explain how they produce how different wine styles.” display_tweet=””]

In her book, Ms. Ross also takes care to explain how they produce how different wine styles.

This incorporates red wine, white wine, rosé wine, and even the fashionable orange wine that is simply a white wine with oxidation.

She discusses the popular sparkling wine styles at length. Marissa even discusses fortified wine such as Sherry.

How to Get Into Wine : Understanding Wine Regions

Ms. Ross describes signature wine regions around the world. These include the French regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy, as well as California’s Napa Valley.

How to Get Into Wine : Homework Assignments

Have you ever wondered what makes two Chardonnay wines taste so different from one another?

One reason has to do with the region it is from: French Chardonnay is quite different from California Chardonnay.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”But a key difference is that Chardonnay is a chameleon grape. It takes its personality from the way it has been treated in the winery, as well as the vineyard.” display_tweet=””]

But a key difference is that Chardonnay is a chameleon grape. It takes its personality from the way they have treated it in the winery, and the vineyard.

As a homework exercise, Miss Ross asks readers to buy two different Chardonnay wines. One that has been aged in oak, and one that has not.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”In most cases, a popular style of oaked California Chardonnay will have flavors and aromas of toast and butter.” display_tweet=””]

In most cases, a popular style of oaked California Chardonnay will have flavors and aromas of toast and butter.

This style typically sees a winemaking process known as malolactic fermentation (MLF)  as well, so the wine will also taste buttery and full bodied.

The unoaked Chardonnay – usually vinified without MLF – will have a more overt apple character and leaner body.

How to Get Into Wine : Humor and Narrative Voice

Most wine books do a good job of providing information. Miss Ross provides lots of humor as well.

One sub-chapter, for example, is titled “How Drinking Commercial Wine is a Bit like Dating in Your Early Twenties.”

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”“How Drinking Commercial Wine is a Bit like Dating in Your Early Twenties.”” display_tweet=””]

In this chapter, Ms. Ross shares some wild dating stories from her 20s, that she somehow is able to compare to her wine learning adventures.

How to Get Into Wine : Summing it Up

Though this book has been written with a specific gender and age group in mind (women in their early twenties) the author has such a colorful, approachable voice – and such solid information – it can be recommended to all wine lovers.

Unlike a lot of wine books out there geared toward people who are curious how to get into wine, Ms. Ross never preaches. She never takes a professorial voice and instructs the reader.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Instead, she encourages readers to laugh with her as she recounts her many wine adventures.” display_tweet=””]

Instead, she encourages readers to laugh with her as she recounts her many wine adventures.

Because of the occasional off-color humor in the book, reader discretion may be advised. Yet for open-minded wine novices eager to learn about wine in a way that is not intimidating, this book is just the ticket.

**Curious about how the original Forbes Article looked?**

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

At last! An article that explains all about Asti Spumante wine! 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Here’s a fun video about the book

The post How to Get Into Wine appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

The Wine Bible

Imagine yourself at one of the popular new wine bars in your town.

You are sipping a glass of red wine perfumed with notes of violet and lavender – a departure from your typical request for a California Cabernet Sauvignon.

You take another sip and wonder what combination of soil and sunlight could produce such a succulent wine?

Your curiosity roused, you look at the label on the bottle and see it is from the Languedoc – a region in Southern France.

Suddenly, you are bursting with questions about the region.

What grape is the wine made from?

What is the typical climate of the area?

Who are the top winemakers in the region?

And if you serve wine at a dinner party, what foods would pair best with it?

“Karen MacNeil, director of the wine program at the Culinary Institute of America in the Napa Valley, has crafted an excellent book in the appropriately named book.”

The Wine Bible

This is a terrific 910 page resource for amateur and seasoned wine lovers alike.

This book starts out with the basics, with MacNeil explaining the elements, such as sun, water, and soil necessary for good wine, and goes on to the more complex issues of wine making and regional styles.

What I liked best about the book is that MacNeil takes you to vineyards all over the world. She describes the climate and terrain with such detail and color you will feel as if you are there.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”In the Wine Bible, MacNeil even introduces you to winemakers. She takes you deep into their dank, dark cellars so you can taste the wine for yourself.” display_tweet=””]

Then she describes the local cuisine in such tantalizing detail you’ll want to rush out and create your own wine and food pairing based on the succulent flavors described in that chapter.

You will find many ways to use The Wine Bible. Instead of reading it from beginning to end, you might try to use it as a reference guide.

Did you have a great Chianti at a restaurant and want to find out more about the region?

Pick up this book and go to the appropriate chapter.[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Are you having friends over for drinks and want to show off your wine sophistication? Read up on the wines you’ll be serving and surprise your guests with some fun, colorful facts about the wine.” display_tweet=””]

Do you love to cook and are you eager to find the perfect pairing for a recipe you just saw in Food & Wine magazine? You’ll find it in this incredible resource.

In The Wine Bible, here are some other things you will discover:

– how to taste and analyze wine like a professional

– how to read a wine label – how to write your own tasting notes

– how to store and serve wine – and much more.

With this book in hand, you can set up your own classes, or study sessions. One week you might study the wines of France, and buy wines from the region. The next week, you can do the same thing with Spain. What makes it even more fun is if you can get a partner or some friends together and make a party of it.

So the next time you find yourself in a wine bar, eager to learn more about what you are drinking, or in a wine store, wondering what to buy, sneak a peek in this book. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”Sooner than you think, friends and co-workers will see you as the go-to wine expert in your circle.” display_tweet=””]

I must have three copies of this book in many places of my home and office.

I love thinking about a region and being able to grab the book and find the most important things about it instantly!

And you can even learn about the unique soil types of each region.

**Curious about Pinot Noir from Willamette?** Read the Forbes.com article here

Please SHARE this article, visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet

Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post The Wine Bible appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

When it comes to learning about wine, everyone seems to have their own opinion.

Some people think the best way to learn about wine is in a class. Other people think the best way to learn about wine is with a book.

Bianca Bosker, author of Cork Dork, did just that.

Cork Dork : Best Books for Wine Lovers

Bianca Bosker is the author of Cork Dork:  A Wine Fueled Adventure Among the Obsessive Sommeliers, Big Bottle Hunters, and Rogue Scientists Who Taught Me To Live For Taste. It is one of the best wine books for wine lovers and sommeliers.

She was a technology reporter when by accident, she suddenly became curious about the best way to learn about wine.

It started when Bianca was enjoying lunch with her boyfriend in a high-end restaurant. With them was her boyfriend’s wealthy client, a wine geek. As Bianca tells the story, she became fascinated by the way this client ordered wine, and the formal way he tasted it.

Eager to learn more, she researched the best way to learn about wine and in the process wrote one of the best books for wine lovers.

**Click Here for Top Wine Resources**

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Her research soon revealed that the best way to study wine was to learn on the job.” display_tweet=””]

Her research soon revealed that the best way to study wine was to learn on the job.

In other words, for Bianca Bosker, the best way to learn about wine was to work as a sommelier.

Best Books for Wine Lovers : Finding a Mentor

In real life – and in the book – Bianca Bosker describes how she found a mentor in a man named Morgan, a “real life” sommelier at a top New York City restaurant.

Morgan assists Bosker in finding a coveted place in one of the highest profile tasting groups in Manhattan.

As a Certified Sommelier myself through the Court of Master Sommeliers, I’ve met many of the people she describes in Manhattan. Today many of them are Master Sommeliers. A few have their own restaurants, shops, and enterprises.

Best Books for Wine Lovers : Tasting Group Gossip

Bosker freely records the colorful scenes that often take place in a tasting group. As you can imagine – or have seen in the film Somm – the ambiance is rather formal.

The objective of these tasting groups is to get additional practice in order to pass the very challenging examinations given by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Quite a bit of effort is given to mimicking the conditions of the exam. Participants sit down to a place setting containing highly polished, expensive glasses (typically Riedel) and a carafe of water.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Because each group sets its own standards, the protocol of every tasting group is different. ” display_tweet=””]

Because each group sets its own standards, the protocol of every tasting group is different.

Typically two participants sit across from one another at a table. The wines are served “blind.” This means no clues as to its identity.

So, for example, the student must first note and describe the color, then the aroma, then the flavor, and structure of the wine.

At the end of this description, the student must declare a logical grape variety, region, quality level, and vintage. All of this under strict time limits.

While one participant is deducing the wines, the partner watches the time and takes notes on what was said.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Then they reverse roles. ” display_tweet=””]

Then they reverse roles.

Best Books for Wine Lovers : Access to the Court of Master Sommelier Document Tasting Grid

This formula is in printed form in the Court of Master Sommelier documents.. Still, it must be memorized and spoken aloud during a tasting group session.

These tastings are considered a very serious activity. Sommeliers work late hours, so their time – and money to purchase the expensive wines – are limited.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”In her book Cork Dork, Bosker can somehow make these tense situations sound hilariously funny.” display_tweet=””]

In her book Cork Dork, Bosker can somehow make these tense situations sound hilariously funny.

She takes the stance of an ordinary person observing people who are unbelievably obsessed with wine.

What makes these scenes so funny is the vivid color of Bosker’s narrative voice.

You might even consider choosing the audio version for this reason. [bctt tweet=”The way she snidely mimics the  smirky tone of sommeliers she meets along the way is priceless.” username=”awinestory”]

Best Books for Wine Lovers : All About Certification

Though Bosker sometimes mocks the intensity of sommeliers, she also takes care to point out the motivation that sparks that intensity.

One of the other key characters in the book is Annie. Annie supports a family and has worked in Virginia Beach restaurants for decades.

For Annie, the time and money required to take the Certified Sommelier exam is a financial hardship. But the pay raise that would result from achieving it would be worth it for her.

In a poignant scene, Author Bosker describes taking the Certified Sommelier exam with Annie. Reading the book, tension is high as one is really rooting for the two of them.

Luckily, both pass the examination even though many others in the class fail.

Best Books for Wine Lovers

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Cork Dork is one of the best books for wine lovers. ” display_tweet=””]

Cork Dork is one of the best books for wine lovers.

It is written about the sommelier industry for sommeliers. As well as one of the best books for average wine lovers.

It vividly illustrates the meticulous course of study aspiring sommeliers must undertake.

Cork Dork is one of the best books for wine lovers because it also showcases the variety of personalities and motivations of people who are attracted to the profession. It is a highly entertaining book readers interested in both wine and human nature will enjoy.

You can see ALL the reviews of my favorite books with this Wine Book Resources Link

One of them would be a great and appropriate fit for one of the wine lovers in your circle … or even yourself! Please SHARE this article with the social share buttons.

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Video of Cork Dork Author

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post Best Books for Wine Lovers appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Tips for Wine Auctions

Ever since the Rudi Kurniawan exposure, wine collectors all over the world are concerned about fraud.

This is especially true during wine auctions.

The story of how wine counterfeiter Rudi Kurniawan managed to hoodwink some of the most powerful wine collectors, auctioneers, and renown experts in the wine industry is intriguing on its own.

Who is Rudi Kurniawan?

Rudi Kurniawan is a Chinese-Indonesian who suddenly appeared at wine auctions in the early two-thousands.

Reports reveal he took some elementary courses in wine and joined some high-profile wine clubs, with members being well-off, wine-savvy collectors.

How did this fraud at wine auctions happen?

More important, what are some tips to practice during wine auctions to  avoid being ripped off at wine auctions in the future?

In Vino Duplicitas: Book by Peter Hellman

Though the book In Vino Duplicitas does not give explicit tips to practice during wine auctions, reading it will help wine lovers attending wine auctions understand how to avoid fraud.

The book In Vino Duplicitas, author Peter Hellman brings the story of wine auctions to life through his vividly descriptive narrative voice and colorful choice of words.

In the book, Hellman observes that Kurniawan had a “puppy dog” charm about him that endeared him to the older, male wine collectors.

Yet it wasn’t just Kurniawan’s charm that mesmerized key people in the wine trade during wine auctions.

It was also his boyish enthusiasm and apparent generosity with opening rare bottles of wine for others to taste.

Kurniawan: Scion of a Wealthy Family

Kurniawan presented himself as the scion of a wealthy family, so his munificence in sharing wine from his million-dollar collection with others was believable.

Yet beyond his beneficence with wine was his unique ability to correctly identify fine, rare wine in blind tastings.

A “blind tasting” is when a person is given a wine in a glass, without any hint of its variety, age, or producer.

Even wine experts found this ability exceptional.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Like a compelling Hollywood film, Hellman’s scenes unfold in a mesmerizing fashion.” display_tweet=””]

In the course of the book, readers are introduced to the glamorous world of wealthy wine collectors, where people spend thousands – even tens of thousands of dollars – on a wine pairing dinner featuring fine, rare wines.

The story ultimately plays itself out, culminating as the collected evidence against Kurniawan leads to his arrest.

Ponsot: Small Burgundian Village

Almost in direct opposition to the glittering realm of high-profile wine collectors, with their tastings in Michelin-rated restaurants, are Hellman’s scenes set in the cold, sparse wineries in Burgundy.

Laurent Ponsot, whose family has been producing wine in the small, sleepy Burgundian village Morey-Saint-Denis, is a is a key figure in the book.

Ponsot’s Personal Discovery

Ponsot had been at a shop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia when he observed a bottle of his flagship Clos de la Roche 1990.

Immediately from the label he realized it was a crude copy.

Though not a detective by profession, Ponsot tracked down the bottle to Kurniawan.

Ponsot’s investigation hit a high point on April 25, 2008 when he stopped the sale of his wines at the Acker Merrall & Condit auction at Cru restaurant.

Peter Hellman tells the tale of Rudy Kurniawan with color, wit, humor, and insight.

And though Hellman is very sophisticated in the world of fine wine and wine auctions, he explains the wine world so that readers at every level will understand the important qualities of a fine wine, and how wine auctions operate.

Among the many fine qualities of the book is the vivid juxtaposition between the decadent, wealthy wine collectors sipping thousands of dollars worth of wine at fancy dinners, and the place where the wines come from – chilly dark Burgundian stone cellars.

An intriguing read for everyone who likes to discover insider secrets in the wine industry.

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Click Here to Read More About Peter Hellman’s Book 

**Click Here to Learn Wine**

Here’s a video of Maureen Downey and M. Ponsot Speaking About the Case

The post Wine Auctions appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Book Review: Wine Science

If you’re a student of wine–or you just like to know how grapes grow and they make wine–you will definitely appreciate the book Wine Science.

This book, weighing in at almost three pounds, is a requirement of students in the UC Davis Winemaking program.

In my decade of taking an assortment of wine education classes, this is one of the most comprehensive books on the subject of grape growing and winemaking. I have both the physical book, and the Kindle ebook. The reason I have both is that it is much easier to look up certain subjects in the index, when I’m on the go.

**Click Here for Wine Resources**

Wine Science: The Basics of Grape Growing and Wine Making

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”While Wine Science is best described as a textbook on wine, it is remarkably easy to read.” display_tweet=””]

While Wine Science is best described as a textbook on wine, it is remarkably easy to read.

A lot of readers may want to start at the beginning of the book, the section that covers grape growing and vine diseases, and progress linearly towards winemaking.

Other readers may just be interested in delving into subjects on a one by one basis.

For example, imagine that you attend a wine tasting, and everyone around you begins to speak about malolactic fermentation regarding a California Chardonnay.

Once you check the subject in the book, you will find that malolactic fermentation (often called MLF) is a winemaking technique used in white wines, most often Chardonnay, to impart a richer texture and buttery flavor.

The book is written by Ronald S. Jackson, who can break down technical winemaking processes in a way easy for everyone to understand.

**Click Here to Read the Original Review in Forbes.com**

Wine Science Physical Book Vs. eBook

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”When I first bought Wine Science, my primary concern was whether to invest in the physical book or the eBook.” display_tweet=””]

When I first bought Wine Science, my primary concern was whether to invest in the physical book or the eBook.

Both were about $100 dollars.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”At first, I thought the physical book would be of better service.” display_tweet=””]

At first, I thought the physical book would be of better service.

I thought I would keep it on my desk, and refer to it several times a day (and I did!) when I needed a quick answer to one of the winemaking questions I was studying on my exam.

But after a year of lugging this giant book from my office to a dedicated reading room on another floor, I decided that an ebook would be more convenient.

The Wine Science Ebook

Within 20 seconds of purchasing the ebook from Amazon, it was right that in my Kindle application.

From that very first moment, I absolutely loved how all the knowledge of Wine Science was literally at my fingertips.

This meant that I could brush up on pruning techniques (yes, my exam covered that topic) when I was riding a subway from Point A to Point B in New York. Or that unlike the book, I could quickly use the “search” function in the eBook to find my query in seconds.

Is Wine Science Right for Everyone?

Even though author Ronald S. Jackson writes in an easy-to-understand tone and includes a lot of illustrations in both the physical book and eBook, it is not a book for everyone.

First, not everyone needs this deep level of knowledge. And the price tag renders it un-affordable for most normal wine lovers who do not need this deeply rooted knowledge to pass a University level wine exam.

That said, it is by far the most complete book on the market today that covers everything form rootstocks to clones to the details of how to make wine in one complete package.

Alternatives to Wine Science

If after reading this review you feel that Wine Science is too much for you, here are some great alternatives.

One fantastic book is Grapes & Wine, by Oz Clark. It is easy to read and entertaining. This book is organized by grape, so in each “chapter” you will learn about international grape varieties in terms of the countries where they grow, what the wine smells and tastes like, and also common winemaking techniques.

The other book is Wine Folly, by Madeline Puckette. The first paperback edition is very easy to read, light weight, and portable. Now you can also find it in eBook form. The idea is to look up a grape that interests you. When you turn to that page, you will find a colorful infographic that tells you as specifically as possible the aromas and flavors in that wine. This was a great resource when I was attaining my many degrees as a sommelier and winemaker.

That said, I still think Wine Science is an influential book for the serious student of wine.

Like this article? Check out these excellent wine book reviews here.

Please SHARE this article, visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources

Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

The post Wine Science Book Review appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

How to Taste Wine

How many times have you read an article in your favorite magazine and wondered how the author found so many flavors in a wine?

And where did those wine descriptions come from? Descriptions like velvet, tannin, and suede?

Or maybe you’re out for drinks, and that know-it-all friend of yours dominates the conversation with his discussion about the wine.

In the book Beyond Flavour, Nicholas Jackson, a Master of Wine, helps normal people learn to taste the many flavors and aromas in a wine in an easy-to-understand fashion.

He helps people understand the structural components of a wine.

**Click Here for Wine Resources**

How to Taste Wine : Understanding Structure  

In the Master of Wine educational program – and also the Court of Master Sommeliers – students are taught how to taste wine by breaking down the components of a wine without knowing its variety or origin.

Having passed the challenging examination, Master of Wine Jackson shows average people how they can achieve wine mastery with these simple techniques.

**Click Here to Read the Original Article Via Forbes.com with More Tips and Techniques**

It’s important to know that this book includes proven material, based on the many years he spent mentoring students in the Masters of Wine education program.

For casual wine lovers, the lessons you will learn in Beyond Flavour will help you raise your level of understanding and enjoying wine.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Curious why experts used texture like velvet, suede, and satin to describe wine? ” display_tweet=”” remove_url=”yes”]

How to Taste Wine : What is Structure in a Wine

The word “structure” refers to the different elements professional wine tasters use when analyzing wine.

Let’s look at a key structural element called tannins. Tannins can be found in virtually all red wines.

Think of the astringent taste and sensation of black tea. Feel it (real or imaginary) as it fills your mouth and goes down your throat. This is how you can recognize tannins.

In red wine, tannins come from the grape itself. Tannins can also result from oak maturation. They are usually described in terms of texture, like you might feel in a piece of cloth.

Why Tannins Matter

In a wine like Rioja from Spain, tannins are a huge clue to its identity. That’s because long aging is a signature of Rioja wine. It used to be that the wine was aged only in American oak, yet the new trend is for French oak that gives it a different flavor profile.

In this book, you will learn how to distinguish the type of oak, and the length of maturation.

The definition of the term “acidity” in wine is relatively easy to guess. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”Acidity refers to a tart sensation you feel, almost like a squirt of lemon as you sip the wine.” display_tweet=””] It is often found in wines made from a high-acid grape like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

How to Taste Wine : Key Elements of This book

Nick Jackson may have received a degree from the UK’s University of Cambridge. Yet he writes in a clear, easy to understand manner with his to-the-point sentence structure.

This is a streamlined look at the science of wine tasting filled with practical wine tasting exercises. In some ways it is almost like a “cliff note” shortcut to the elements of blind tasting.

What I liked best about the book is that it reflects Mr. Jackson’s original approach to teaching others about wine In one class, Mr. Jackson poured out five high-acid wines (among a Sauvignon Blanc and a Riesling) and asked the participants to “feel” the “shape of the vibrations.

”How to Taste Wine : Personal Markers

Every taster – including myself – develops their own personal clues and references to help them identify wine blind. I often (correctly) deduce the identity of a wine by what is known as a “personal marker.”

People instinctively have (or soon develop) a personal marker for certain wines. But there are two problems with personal markers.

The first is that a personal marker can lead you astray. This can happen if you jump to conclusions without taking the time to analyze the structure. Once you have analyzed the structure, you must check again to see if the wine fits the profile of its true variety and origin.

Even if so, the taster must try to figure out what else the wine can be.

Personal Wine Markers : Are They Valid?

The second problem is that while a personal marker can “quicken” the time it may take you to figure out a wine’s identity, you will never be able to write the marker down on the answer sheet and get “credit” for it. Personal markers, as the name implies, are best off kept inside one’s own head.

As an example, many people have a personal marker for the wine Gewurztraminer. As the wine typically has a sweet floral aroma, a common personal marker is “my aunt’s floral hand lotion.” As described above, it can take you to the category of wines with sweet floral aromatics, but that is where the use of the marker will end.

You will have to use the specific analytic terms to decide if what you think is Gewurztraminer may really be Muscat or Torrontés.

Final Thoughts

This is a great book for everyone who is curious how to deduce a wine’s identity when tasting it blind.

Do you want to see this original book review, published in Forbes.com?

Like this article? Chcck out these excellent wine book reviews here.

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources?

Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

Here is a great video on how to taste wine

The post How to Taste Wine appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.

Story of Jess Jackson

Do you love the buttery rich style of California Chardonnay?

Many Americans feel that this style, widely attributed to Jess Jackson, is the typical California style.

Yet before the 1980s, grocery store shelves groaned with “fake” Chardonnay made from grapes such as Ugni Blanc, grown in Central California.

And most consumers simply bought was on the shelf.

Man and His Mountain is the story of how Jess Jackson created this “typical” style of Chardonnay is chronicled in the excellent book, Man and His Mountain, by Edward Humes.

Author Humes shows the reader how Jackson’s imagination and fortitude, despite risks and downturns can result in success.

Through this book, wine lovers too young to remember the wine world of the previous century will see how much wine styles and wine marketing have changed.

Jess Jackson: The Wine World Before 2000

It’s natural to assume that founder Jess Jackson had an easy time of creating the Kendall-Jackson brand.

A lawyer by profession he could certainly read a vineyard contract. Yet it was quite a challenge to launch his vision of Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay.

His goal was to create a style of Chardonnay that Americans could enjoy and afford. A “mass market” style of wine that tasted like of an upscale Burgundian Chardonnay …

… at least to the taste of Americans at the time, who likely never experienced that wine or visited that region.

Jess Jackson wanted “accessible” flavors. This translated to wines with richness from malolactic fermentation (MLF).  MLF is a winemaking technique that gives wines a softer, creamy aroma and texture.

[socialpug_tweet tweet=”Knowing the delicious aromas and flavors of butter and toast aging in French oak barrique can give a wine, Jackson insisted on using French oak in the maturation process.” display_tweet=””]

He even developed a partnership with a cooperage in France so that he would be better able to achieve consistency in the style.

Another driving force in the development of the KJ signature style is that Jackson wanted to make a wine from Chardonnay grapes grown in many diverse California regions.

In this way, the finished wine would have a specific flavor profile that could be achieved year after year.

Jess Jackson: The Salesmanship Factor

Though a talented businessman, Jackson was also a good salesman.  He knew his market – middle-class Americans who wanted a “French Chardonnay” at a good price point. This ability to “know his customer” is one reason he found success.

Recent Wine History

Before the 1980s most wine was sold in supermarkets. This is still true today … but at that time virtually all the wine were domestic wines at a low price tag.

Popular wine labels at the time included names like Gallo Hearty Burgundy (even though it consisted of grapes from California), and Italian Swiss Colony. Yes, consumers could buy fine Burgundy, but only in the rare wine shops that existed at the time.

Jackson’s Big Break

Author Humes details the struggles Jackson had in selling his Chardonnay. [socialpug_tweet tweet=”Jackson’s break came at New York’s famed Oyster Bar restaurant, a busy place in bustling Grand Central Station.” display_tweet=””] Charming his way inside the door, and pouring his delicious wine, Jackson convinced the owner to buy a case of KJ Chardonnay.

Then even better, KJ’s tasting room assistant submitted the KJ Chardonnay to wine competitions. Kendall-Jackson walked away with the first platinum award for American Chardonnay at the American Wine Competition.

Jess Jackson & Presidential Tastemakers

Nancy Reagan, President Reagan’s wife, happened to taste the Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay that was served at a 1982 White House dinner. Responding to the delicious scent of French oak and the buttery style, she told reporters she loved the KJ wine.

This launched a new flurry of publicity for KJ Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay.

Then Herb Caen, columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, began to call the KJ Chardonnay “Nancy’s Wine.”

Jackson’s 1982 vintage sold out, and the KJ Chardonnay soon became the leading Chardonnay of the USA.

Final Thoughts

I read this book on a weekend in Los Angeles, and became quite engrossed in the story. I had met various KJ winemakers over the years and had been to properties now owned by the Jackson family, yet until reading the book I had no idea about the struggles Jackson faced in developing his brand.

It took a lot of courage for Jackson to risk the financial security of his family to launch the KJ brand. Every time one turns the page in this book, Jackson’s empire seemed on the verge of collapse. Yet he kept going.

I hope that you will click on the links below to the interview I had with Randy Ullum and also the podcast.

Please SHARE this article visit the social media links and subscribe to my newsletter here

If you like this article you will like:

— Dominus Estate
— Chappellet Family Winery
— Hess Collection
— Frog’s Leap

Curious to Learn More About Wine? Start Here

Want to Grab Quick Wine Resources? Click Here 

About Author Marisa D’Vari

D’Vari contributes to Forbes.com, Financial Times, World of Fine Wine, Quarterly Review of Wine, Decanter Robb Report, San Francisco Chronicle, South China Morning Post, and more.

She holds the (WSET) diploma, Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, a Certified Wine Educator  through the Society of Wine Educators … to see it all, please click on bio

The post Story of Jess Jackson appeared first on AWINESTORY.COM.