The Wall Street Journal Guide to Wine New and Improved

by Dorothy J. Gaiter, John Brecher

Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher, authors of The Wall Street Journal 's popular "Tastings" column , have now completely updated and expanded their uniquely user-friendly guide to finding and savoring the world's best wine. As in the first edition, Dottie and John-as they are known to their fans-offer practical, knowledgeable tips to guide you through the bewildering rows of bottles found in wine stores and groceries. They help expand your wine interests to include more than the familiar Chardonnay or Merlot you've been drinking for years by starting with a simple buy two similar wines, put them in paper bags, and taste them. When you have decided which wine you prefer, you've taken the first step.

The thorough revision of the original book not only includes updated assessments of wines from the previous edition but also adds ratings for dozens of new selections, covering rosé Champagnes, for example, and extending the Sauvignon Blanc section to cover wines from New Zealand.

Drawing on questions from readers and fans, they have expanded the practical advice that helps make them so widely new chapters include tips on how to impress the boss, what to do about wine headaches, and how to accept the Blue Nun in your past; and new passages address everything from cork etiquette to great kosher wines.

As always, the book features recommendations for excellent wines in all price ranges, from familiar Cabernets and Zinfandels to less well-known but easily accessible Gewürztraminers and Barolos. The authors give helpful tips on finding and choosing a wine store, hosting your own wine-tasting party, and learning to navigate a restaurant's wine list.

Dottie and John's passion for wine will inspire you to sample types and labels you might never have thought (or had the nerve) to try. Their anecdotes and down-to-earth style will keep you turning the pages. Whether you are a curious novice or a connoisseur, this enhanced edition is an ideal choice for expanding your wine knowledge and taste.

Genres: Wine, Nonfiction, Reference, Food, Cooking

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 19, 1999

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like wine. I am assuming you do as well, if you are reading this review of a book on wine.

I have accumulated a lot of books on wine (and rarely review any). This one is worth giving time to.

I hate wine snobs. You know the people I mean. They drop their knowledge on you as if they have something you don't and that makes them better.

I like sitting around sipping a few bottles and talking about what makes one more interesting or pleasing than the next. And more to the point: What food to have with it!

Gaiter and Brecher used to write a column for the Wall Street Journal. It was always entertaining AND informative. This book keeps that kind of format for each category of wine and has breakout pieces on subjects ranging from what temperature is best to serve a wine to what foods might pair well. They are not wine snobs --- more like friends you are having over for dinner or drinks. Their book was published over ten years ago, and some of the wine recommendations are quite dated. But you will be passing up all the rest of their great information if you don't latch on to a used copy.

If you are interested in wine, it will be money well spent.

[Patrick Schmelz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with most nonfiction books, this one is a bit dated and thus the wine recommendations are not very useful, but that is not the important part of the book. The detailed (but not too detailed) write-ups on the different kinds of wine and the extremely approachable descriptions made this a great "starter" book to get to know wines by their types. I absolutely loved the stories that accompanied every wine type and loved the overall feel and enthusiasm. Great read on wine (with wine)!

[Keri Daskam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe it's silly to rate a nonfiction book about wine so highly. The writers are journalists with information imbedded in charming stories from all over the world. The fact that they are married to each other makes the whole, hefty book read like a romantic comedy. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Russell Lay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book cover to cover and it opened my eyes to wine. And that's all the review I need to write!

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide into the world of wine. Gaiter and Brecher eschew snobbery and encourage all to get out and try something new, gently challenging the comfort zones of many who self-consciously opt for the familiar Merlot or Chardonnay. I appreciated their non-intimidating approach that eliminates the pretentious attitudes of many, as well as their overall perspective toward wine. For the authors, it's not just about the wine but also about the experience, the relationships, the conversations. In a way, it's like wine can be another means to a greater end.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy and John write about wine in an easily accessible way. They teach you to enjoy and explore, and are never snooty or uptight. I received this book as a (re)gift in 2003 and it totally changed how I drink wine - it led me to try new things, write down what I experience, and find out what I like and dislike.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was really nice review of lots of types of wine. they write like old friends.