Best Drinks Book in the World— Gourmand International Awards
The definitive compendium for all lovers of red wine, written by bestselling authors World Wine Guys and Kevin Zraly.
Award- winning authors Kevin Zraly and the World Wine Guys tell the story of red wine, grape by grape, revealing the vast world of the 50 essential varieties and styles—from Agiorgitiko to Zinfandel—that you should know. All your favorites are here: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, and Syrah, covered in fascinating, eye-opening detail. You’ll also discover little-known gems, such as Aglianico, Baco Noir, Xinomavro, and Zweigelt.
The helpful introduction explains how red wine grapes evolved and spread, how red wine is made, and how the winemaking process influences the taste of the final wine. Peppered with engaging facts and figures, each chapter profiles one variety or style, featuring comprehensive at-a- glance information that provides color and tasting notes, what to expect in the glass, suggested food pairings, and recommended wines at a variety of price points from bargain to splurge. In-depth essays offer capsule histories of each grape or style, including their origins, typical characteristics,popularity, and other notable countries that produce them. Winemakers and other industry experts appear in their own words alongside gorgeous photography that brings the regions, vineyards, grapes, and wines to vivid life.
Praise For Red Wine
“Forget what you think about wine books, that they’re stuffy or snobby or will put you to sleep faster than drinking a bottle. Red Wine isn’t a book made to collect dust on your shelf, it’s a book made to be used… quick references make the book super user-friendly and a must-check before running out to the wine store….I’m seriously hoping these guys are plotting a follow-up on White Wine. Unlike so many other wine books that do just sit on my shelves, this book has been commuting from my coffee table to my dining table and back, being absorbed bit by bit. And while I’m learning a lot about these globe-trotting grapes as I go, it doesn’t feel like an effort, it feels like the enjoyment of drinking Red Wine.”
— Huffington Post —
“This new, definitive resource for all things red wine covers 50 essential varieties and styles from around the world, plus facts about wine that everyone deserves to know… perfect for wine newbies and experts alike.”
— Marie Claire —
“With eye-catching photography and engaging anecdotes from winemakers the world over, Red Wine is co-authored by long-time wine educator Kevin Zraly, along with Mike DeSimone and Jeff Jenssen, lifestyle editors at Wine Enthusiast. It’s a great, easy-to-read resource with tasting notes, food pairings and more for every major red wine grape. In addition to the usual suspects, like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the book also tackles lesser-known varieties like Saperavi, which makes it a great gift for the novice and geek alike.“
— Wine Enthusiast —
“The fantastic new book Red Wine… since I received my copy, has grown dog-eared and wine-stained from regular use.”
— Forbes —
“This user-friendly guide is organized by grape rather than region. All the better for big Cabernet Sauvignon fans read up on global offerings and the authors’ specific wine suggestions ranging from bargain options to special occasion options for each varietal… The combined expertise of the three wine minds behind this guide is equal to almost a century's worth of wine education and experience.”
— Forbes.com —
“It’s a great introductory book for a new wine lover — the chapters are short and punchy but thorough — and also a very solid reference text for true experts as well. Red Wine is their most ambitious, interesting, downright-useful effort yet… a great addition to your wine library, whether as the first entry in your collection or the 100th.”
— Santa Barbara Independent —
"The book’s superb format deftly presents what otherwise might be an overwhelming cache of useful and intriguing information. In fact, the authors recommend dipping into and out of the volume over time while actually drinking examples of each of the red wines covered. Can’t argue with that sound advice.”
— Dave’s Wine Cellar —
"It's easy to read and gets right to the heart of the matter with engaging and in-depth details. The authors recommend reading up on the grape varieties before, during or after drinking a bottle of red wine. Now doesn't that sound like fun?!”
— The Wine Chef —
"Red Wine is, simply stated, an exceptional book.“