Wine Blog

A Champagne crusade – San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

San Francisco Chronicle (blog)

A Champagne crusade San Francisco Chronicle (blog) You might find a disgorgement date that will, in a few numbers, provide a clue to that wine's entire history. More likely, you won't. Then take a moment to ask yourself why this wine in particular should be exempt from telling us the story of its … and more »

Sweet Madeira – Manchester Evening News

Sweet Madeira Manchester Evening News The famous fortified wine with which it shares its name is, in tourism terms, fortified still further with great seafood, great weather and a rich cultural history. It is upon this backdrop that Jet2holidays is hoping to capitalise with its upcoming …

Grape vs. Grain: A Historical, Technological, and Social Comparison of Wine and Beer
Why is wine considered more sophisticated even though the production of beer is much more technologically complex? Why is wine touted for its health benefits when beer has more nutritive value? Why does wine conjure up images of staid dinner parties while beer denotes screaming young partiers? Charles Bamforth explores several paradoxes involving these beverages, paying special attention to the culture surrounding each. He argues that beer can be just as grown-up and worldly as wine and be part of a healthy, mature lifestyle. Both beer and wine have histories spanning thousands of years. This is the first book to compare them from the perspectives of history, technology, nature of the market for each, quality attributes, types and styles, and the effect that they have on human health and nutrition.

Customer Review: Everyone Has An Opinion
I am always amazed that people often go for the throat of another human being, rather that stating the positive aspects of what we see and leave the criticism to the individual reader. I have seen Charles Bamforth speak on a few occasions and he is delightfully playful. He jokes about nearly everything, both the beer and the wine industry. In regards to the book, I just get that he wants people to understand that it takes skill to brew beer as well.

I actually prefer the taste of wine over beer, and not being an expert about either, had no idea how each is made in great detail. From all the advertisements I have ever been exposed to however, beer certainly has always been made to look like the lesser form of the two beverages. Now that I have been exposed to more information from Dr. Bamforth, I know that’s not true. They both take a lot of skill and expertise to produce a good product.

I mean, when it all boils down to it, just like anything, no one is better or worse than the other and I think Dr. Bamforth would heartily agree it is all about individual preference. I think beer has just gotten a bad rap and the book was intended to give readers a little clearer perspective as to what it is really all about.

Customer Review: Well worth the read
I think some of you may be missing the point a bit. The author, I believe, is trying to make the arguement throughout the book that the wine industry has, undeservedly, stolen the moral high ground when it comes to comparing beer and wine. The arguements Bamforth puts forward are really asking why has the wine industry been able to do this, while the beer industry has not (either intentionally or not)? He points out that there really is no proof that wine is any healthier than any other type of alcohol, that the retail mark up of wine is disproportionate to what is costs to produce and he questions the hole notion of “vintage” as an excuse for lack of consistencty. Bamforth just dares to say the beer deserves its place at the table just like wine. A great read.

Biltmore Century Red Wine
In the glass: Biltmore Century Red is a fairly deep ruby red in color with a semi-opaque appearance, going out into a light pinkish-red rim definition and surprisingly high viscosity. On the nose: There is excellent red and black berry fruit at first, then

If You Must Smoke, Drink Red Wine
Every day there’s more news about the health benefits of red wine, but this one is really hard to believe: Moderate consumption of red wine is related to a 60 percent reduced risk of lung cancer in men who have ever smoked! Yes, a study conducted by Kaiser

The Wine of Wisdom: The Life, Poetry and Philosophy of Omar Khayyam
Nourished by an admiration of Khayyam that has been with him since childhood, Aminrazavi’s comprehensive new biography reintroduces the figure of Khayyam, and his great achievements, to the Western world. Blending a readable and accessible narrative with scholarly ambition and years of research, Aminrazavi’s work covers not only Khayyam’s well-known poetry, but also his extraordinary life, his neglected philosophical writings and the impact of his work in the West. It features a variety of supporting material, including original translations and the full text of Fitzgerald’s Rubaiyyat, and will prove an ideal biography for those who want to know more about the poets inspired by Rumi.

Customer Review: enlightened reading
The seems to be a lot of redundancy in the first part of the book but the overall information, history and review of the philosophy is well presented.
A very interesting book and enjoyable to read.

Customer Review: The Ultimate Treatise on Khayyam
I am a filmmaker who spent 7 years making a feature film about the legendary mathematician, astronomer, poet of Persia, Omar Khayyam. I cannot think of another book published in this world that gives a more complete and thorough understanding of Khayyam. Dr. Aminrazavi’s book is a scholarly masterpiece that illuminates the reader’s mind with well researched, solid facts debunking the myths surrounding Khayyam. Each chapter clearly lays out the author’s own struggle with what is fact and what is fiction. The book also explores Khayyam’s vast influence on literature in the West. If there is anyone out there who wants an encyclopedic look into the mind of the 11th Century genius with the soul of a poet, look no further…purchase Wine of Wisdom today!

What wines won’t trigger migraines? – Globe and Mail

Globe and Mail

What wines won't trigger migraines? Globe and Mail If you want a general guide, I believe it's safe to say that red wine tends to contain more amines than white. Several reasons may account for this, notably the fact that white wine, lacking the higher protective tannin content of most reds, … and more »

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter – Georgiandaily

Drinking Georgian Wine in a Soviet Bomb Shelter Georgiandaily The wine ferments in the open. Once fermentation stops, the clay pot is plugged and covered with dirt. It stays there, skins and all (even for white wines), until the winemaker deems it ready to bottle. The two wines came from the same exact grapes, … and more »

Hospitality Manager’s Guide to Wines, Beers, and Spirits (2nd Edition)
This introduction to the history, science and varieties of alcoholic beverages is essential for today’s hospitality manager. Written as a practical guide, this book helps managers understand wines, beers and spirits—from the history of alcohol to the marketing and selling of it. The user-friendly approach teaches wine by the grape, beers by the type of yeast used in fermentation, and spirits by breaking them into two categories (aged or non-aged and fruit or grain-based). This edition includes a new forward by Ken Rubin, a logical reorganization of early chapters, and material devoted to the management and marketing of beverage operations.

Customer Review: Great History and Easy to Understand
This book by Albert W.A. Schmid is full of interesting, historical details regarding the history of wines, beers and spirits. His Louisville roots are evident when one reads his sections on Kentucky Bourbon. Bourbon drinkers will drool! Wines are segmented “by the grape” which makes understanding the large variety of wineries and varietals very easy and simple. This book gives an excellent overview of wines, beers and spirits — from the way they are produced to the myriad of ways they can be paired with your favorite foods!