Wines and SpiritsGreat Wine Reads
Just like in any literary genre, the genre of wine writing varies greatly.  The straight-forward wine and cocktail guides, sure, are still prominent. But they have been joined by wine writing that take off from various viewpoints: there are wine books for armchair scientists, historians, adventurers, academics, as well as those simply for the avid drinker.
The world of booze has never offered so many wonderful and different books to enjoy while, of course!, enjoying a nip as well. So keep your wine/cocktail guides at the ready, get those feet up on the ottoman, and enjoy some wine education in the comfort of a good read and glass of wine.
For those inclined towards history and are lovers of wine, there are several books of note:
Champagne: How the World"s Most Glorious Wine Triumphed Over War and Hard Times and Wine War: The French, The Nazis, and The Battle for Frances Greatest Treasure by Donald and Petie Kladstrup. If you love war history and wine, both of these books are excellent choices. The Kladstrup"s have done thorough research and write in a style that never bores.
The Widow Cliquot by Tilar Mazzeo. Mazzeo from the outset of her book admits that there were few materials to work with when she undertook her endeavor, as the Widow"s story is mostly one that "lives in the shadowy half-life of oral folk legend." Nonetheless, she is a more than impressive biographer, and Veuve Cliquot"s life - and all she accomplished - is nothing short of impressive.
Judgement of Paris by George Taber. California wines besting French Bordeaux? Mon dieu! Get the real true "Bottle Shock" story from the man who first broke it in 1976. Taber is the real deal - and unlike that botched movie starring Alan Rickman (who, it must be said, I adore) Judgement will keep you on the edge of your seat. Even if you do already know the ending.
Now for the scientists in the house:
To Cork or Not to Cork by George Taber. Yes, it"s true. I"m a fan. This guy is a tried and true reporter and in this fascinating book on cork vs. screw-cap (yes, that modifier "fascinating" is correctly placed), he takes a thorough look at the industry of bottling wines and what he finds may come as a surprise.
What the Nose Knows by Gilbert Avery. Not a wine book, exactly, but Avery - a sensory specialist who works at the Monell Institute in Philadelphia, has written an amazing book on that least used of all senses: smell. For those who like to appreciate their wine by first taking in a deep inhalation of its aromas, this is a must for you.
Lastly, for those who love good adventure stories and "meeting" interesting folks from around the world:
The Battle for Wine and Love: or How I Saved the World From Parkerization. Ms. Feiring makes no bones about the wines she most loves - they are those that are all about terroir and cultivated and produced by traditional, oft-times, small time farmers from around the globe (mostly Europe, though). This is an especially entertaining read when it comes to Feiring"s rants on Robert Parker, and specifically those wine producers who seem to create wines specifically for his pallate (and a 90+ rating). Funny, clever, incisive, bold Alice.
Red, White, and Drunk All Over by Natalie McLean and Bacchus and Me by Jay McInerny. These two books make terrific companions as both McLean and McInerny travel the globe in search of more wine knowledge and more than one great sip. McLean"s curiosity is infectious while McInerny"s writings have never been better. Both books are sensuous in their descriptions of wines so be sure and have a favorite bottle nearby for when you start to salivate.
First Big Crush by Eric Arnold. Whereas our adventurer Arnold goes to New Zealand for a year to work at Allen Scott Winery and learns from field to vat to which way and that all there is to know about the winemaking industry. Oh, and did I mention he knows next to nothing when he starts out? Arnold"s book is bawdy, laugh-out-loud riotous at times, yet still manages to impart great knowledge of what it must be like to run a winery.
So what are you waiting for? Get thee to your local book/wine merchants, and get to it. That wonderful crisp weather is just begging you to stay inside. For extended reviews on most books mentioned here, please visit www.wineclass.net.