Sunday, October 14, 2012

Just Jennifer


How to Love Wine: A Memoir and Manifesto by Eric Asimov (William Morrow, October 2012)

In this love story to wine, New York Times columnist and wine critic Eric Asimov dispels many myths about wine and tries to lessen wine anxiety, talking about how easy wine can be and how the love for it can slowly creep up until you find yourself pontificating about the bouquet of a wine of the mouth feel and top notes of berry.  Asimov gives sound advice to novices and experts alike, suggesting to start drinking what you can afford and slowly learn more about each varietal, offering notes on grapes and terroir (the climate, environment and soil in which grapes are grown).  Asimov talks not only about his love of wine and his time as a wine critic, but about his journey in journalism, including anecdotes about his earlier career.  As he tries to demystify the wine culture, he keeps in mind that wine is many times a subjective thing and you should drink what you like, critics be damned.  A fascinating, and personal look into one man’s love affair with wine. 

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