Karen MacNeil

Is it just me, or is _all_ wine writing annoying and a little offensive? The whole thing is based around the same faulty assumption, which is that there is a single linear measure of a wine's quality, by which every bottle can be ranked from best to worst. What crap! Certainly, it's possible to talk about technical qualities and defects, or their absence, but there's a lot more to whether a wine is good for a particular purpose, and in a particular context, than just those simple judgments. Just once, I'd like to see some wine writing that gives more thought to context.

Still, I do admit that the book contains a lot of useful facts about wine growing regions and types of wine. It could be especially helpful in demystifying some European wine labels.

In summary: a useful reference, but not a very enjoyable read.… (mehr)

Seasonal menus, with suggested wine pairings, from a “Cooking Light” columnist and PBS series host . . . .

Divided by seasons, each section offers a specific menu and the recipes for each of the suggested dishes in that menu. There’s also an explanation of the process of pairing wine with a meal, a guide to pairings, a wine and recipe selection guide, and information on styles of port, madeira, and sherry as well as a chart for dessert wines.

The recipes run the gamut, but there are many easy-to-prepare, delicious recipes. Try the Raspberry-Almond Muffins an afternoon snack, White Bean and Bacon Dip with Rosemary Pita Chips for an appetizer, Rosemary-Grilled Lamb Chops for an entrée, New Potatoes with Balsamic-Shallot Butter for a side dish, and Chocolate-Chunk Bread Puddings for a perfect dessert.

On the downside, some of the suggested wine pairings are pricy and there aren’t always alternate suggestions. But for those who enjoy cooking, and like a glass of wine with their meals, this book is worth a look.… (mehr)