Look no further for the perfect Christmas book for your new-to-wine friends.
Barely a day goes by without someone on Instagram, a podcast, a blog, or in a book promising to "demystify" wine. One would think that we are a nation of people wandering about stupefied by the unknowable mysteries of wine, pining for someone to tear the veil asunder and reveal the secrets of the ages.
While I don't buy into the notion of a massive need for demystification, there is a need to jump-start the appreciation of wine for those just beginning. Let me suggest Stikky Wine (Laurence Holt Books). The book offers to "teach essential wine tasting skills to anyone with just a little time. In just one hour, you’ll learn the six aroma families, the three essential characteristics of wine, and how to enjoy and describe wine like a pro." That's a large order to fill!
There's a whole line of Stikky books, on topics ranging from identifying animal tracks to interpreting stock chart patterns. They are written with the help of subject matter experts; in the case of Stikky Wine, the SME is Andrea Reibel. The book uses a unique learning approach, providing a step-by-step introduction to the world of wine. Each step builds on what came before and reinforces it. Simple quizzes and matching exercises test your knowledge.
The book covers the six main categories of aromas found in wine. The section on taste explores tannins, acidity, and body. There are also worthwhile suggestions on pairing food and wine and how to speak with a sommelier.
I found the book to be an enjoyable and quick read. The format is very user-friendly with plenty of illustrations. It covers the six main varietal wines, and the "Next Steps" section covers more varietal wines and types of wines. There's also a basic glossary of terms as well as book and online resources.
It's an ideal Christmas present. It is available for $12 online. My daughter will enjoy unwrapping this gift.
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