A reader writes to ask if there are any “must-haves” among the books included there, or perhaps a Top 5 list.
Book preferences are somewhat subjective, but here’s my take on a few of the offerings.
Karen MacNeil’s Wine Bible and Kevin Zraly’s Windows on the World Wine Course are probably the two books I go to most often. Zraly’s book presents a nice overview without too much detail, which is great for beginners. MacNeil’s book goes into more detail on wine regions and wines, but it’s also a great book for beginners if you like more info at hand. (Of course, you can always skim portions that seem too advanced or whatever.)
Jacis Robinson’s Oxford Companion to Wine is the ultimate in wine geek reading. It’s not set out in chapters–it’s an encyclopedia with more entries on topics you’ve never heard of than you thought possible. You won’t read this one like any other book–you’ll flip pages as you jump from entry to entry. Great stuff, but not for the meek. 
There are other great reads in this store, but these three ought to get you started.
If you’re willing to wait a long time, I’m working (very slowly) on a book of my own. (Anyone know a good literary agent?) But you’re probably better off getting something before then…my work may never see the light of day.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I’m about halfway thru Karen MacNeil’s Wine Bible and have found it to be excellent and very informative. I would certainly recommend it.
Cheers, Paul