Wine With Food

Joanna Simon

A comprehensive look at food and wine from different approaches.  A good, quick reference for the hows and whys of the what to serve with what.  A good reference for flavor profiles and regional typicity by varietal (old world/new world).  An excellent index of food with wine and wine with food, including tricky foods.  The food index is clearly from a Euro slant -- kippers, kedgeree, and crocodile Tail? Oh My!  Chablis and crocodile tail - who knew?

How to Taste: A Guide to Enjoying Wine

Jancis Robinson MW

She has been called the "Julia Child of Wine."  She is my go-to girl for all things wine.  Just like the MW exam the chapters are disected into practical and theory sections.  The reading is entertaining and informative and the exercises are both fun and enlightening.  "By actively smelling everything you drink and eat you can at least double the pleasure it gives....." Jancis is not only a Master of Wine but also a master at reliably focusing wine discussion on its most essential component - pleasure!

Red, White, and Drunk All Over:  A Wine Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass

by Natalie MacLean

An easy to read account of the author's experiences becoming a wine lover and wine writer and the amazing people she has met along the way.  Funny and lighthearted rendering of meeting luminaries such Aubert de Villaine from DRC to Randall Grahm of Bonny Doon discussing topics from biodynamics to Robert Parker.  There is plenty of substance and learning to be had here but it is presented with a casual take it or leave it attitude making the book entertaining for wine enthusiasts at every level.