Wine
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2011
Hugh Johnson
A classic reference, now in its 34th year of publication, this annual guide is a must-have for everyone who buys wine. However, be sure to brush up on the symbols key on the inside flap and to read the introductory pages before leafing through the book. Otherwise, you will find yourself lost in the maze of symbols and colour-coding used throughout to delineate which vintages to buy, drink, and cellar, and which growers to look for and why. A listing of grape varieties and a section on food and wine pairings round out the volume. An added bonus in this year's issue is a colour supplement on the best Spanish wines. $17.99.
 The Finest Wines of Champagne
Michael Edwards
Champagne expert Michael Edwards compiles this guide to the best Cuvees, Houses and Growers of the Champagne region. He begins by examining the history of winemaking in the region and the viticulture, before profiling the best producers and their wines. Included are guides to the best vintages 2008-1988, and to the relationship between champagne and food. Colour photos. Softcover, 320 pp. $38.95.
 The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy
Nicholas Belfrage
A beautiful guide to the wines of Tuscany and central Italy, this book examines the history of wine in Italy, the influence of terroir, and viticulture, as well as the wine producing regions of Chianti Classico, the Tuscan coast, Umbria, and Romagna. There are chapters on the best vintages available from these regions, and a discussion of wine and food. Colour photos. Softcover, 320 pp. $38.95.
 South-West France: the Wines and Winemakers
Paul Strang
Paul Strang takes an enviable journey through South-West France to drink wine and meet the winemakers responsible. He visits regions such as the Dordogne Valley, Gaillac, Gascony, the Middle Garonne, and Bearn and the Pyrenees, among others, and offers detailed information about the wines on offer. There are also colour photos. Hardcover, 374 pp. $49.95.
  The 500 Best-value Wines in the LCBO 2010
Rod Phillips
Now in its third year, the arrival of this guide to the LCBO best-values is now an eagerly awaited event. In this year , 200 of the 500 featured wines are new entries. Each is rated out of five stars with tasting notes and suggested food pairings. There is also space for the user to add tasting comments. Softcover, 248 pp. $19.95.
 Billy's Best Bottles: Wines for 2010
Billy Munnelly
20 years into publishing wine guides, and Billy Munnelly still produces accessible, informative, and user-friendly books, demystifying the wine world for novices with a fun, fresh approach. Here he rounds up another year of wine choices, from the "twitter worthy" to Canadian and wines from all over the world besides. The wines are often categorised by mood as opposed to just grape variety, so for instance you can search for fresh whites, rich whites, rustic reds etc. There are colour pictures throughout. Softcover, 238 pp. $19.95.
 Liquid Memory
Jonathan Nossiter
Jonathan Nossiter is best known as a film director, but he is also a former sommelier and here turns his attention to wine's power as a site of culture. For Nossiter, wine is as culturally significant as film, art, literature, and sport, and it should be enjoyed democratically; he does not believe in being told what to drink. This book looks at wine all over the world and in every context. A great read for any wine enthusiast. Hardcover, 262 pp. $32.50.
 The Concise World Atlas of Wine
Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson
This smaller format edition of the essential wine atlas maintains the complete text and all 200 maps of the original. This edition reflects the ongoing evolution of the South African wine industry and the emergence of wine production in Asia. Colour maps and photos. Softcover, 352 pp, $37.99.
 Pizza & Wine: Authentic Italian Recipes and Wine Pairings
Leonadro Curti
Coming from a cookbook writing team made up of a chef and a food journalist this book is full of recipes for simple, traditional pizzas; the emphasis is on a thin crust and a few well chosen, good quality toppings for maximum effect. There are chapters on focaccias and side dishes as well as vegetarian, meat based, seafood pizzas, and calzones. Each pizza comes with a wine pairing and there is a dessert chapter tucked away at the end for good measure. Lots of colour photographs throughout. Softcover, 176 pp. $24.95.
 Essential Winetasting
Michael Schuster
The Bordeaux-trained director of a London wine school, Michael Schuster is one of the great teachers of winetasting. This book is divided into three sections: before the bottlea review of the senses, and of viticulture and vinification,; in the bottle; nine tastings featuring different types of wine The text is heavily illustrated to offer the reader maximum guidance. Colour photos. Paper, 192 pp. $25.99.
The Concise World Atlas of Wine
Hugh Johnson and Hugh Johnson
This smaller format edition of the essential wine atlas maintains the complete text and all 200 maps of the original. This edition reflects the ongoing evolution of the South African wine industry and the emergence of wine production in Asia. Colour maps and photos. Paper, 352 pp. $37.99
 Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book 2010
Hugh Johnson
In the more than three decades since the first edition appeared, this book has sold over 10 million copies. This year, along with the usual updates, food and pairing, vintage charts, and maps, there is a colour section on wine in South America. In all there is current information on over 6000 wines. Hardcover, 320 pp, $19.99.
 Orgasmic Appetizers and Matching Wines
Shari Darling
Shari Darling, Canada's food-and-wine pairing diva, takes culinary bliss to a new level. Don't even think of taking another bite or sip without her advice. her book won't just add zest to your table, it'll also spice up your sensual life. More than 100 recipes, Orgasmic Appetizers celebrates the spine-tingling ecstasy of the culinary orgasm in a way that appeals to both novice and exerienced cooks, and both sommeliers and wine lovers alike. Softcover, 231 pp. $29.95.
 Wines of Burgundy
Clive Coates
This latest edition is best devoured over a glass of wine! Extensive and exhaustive research has always been Coates's forte, especially when it comes to Burgundian wines and this edition is no exception. Hardcover, $60.00.
 Peninguide To Spanish Wine 2007
Jose Penin
One of the great experts on Spanish wine Jose Penin combines a general wine manual with a guide to more than 7500 wines from 2500 wineries. Like Robert Parker, Penin favours a 100 point scoring system with the top scoring wines listed together in the “podium” section. The usual attributes of a good wine guide are here: maps, labels, phone numbers and addresses. Colour and black and white. Softcover, $45.00.
 Extremely Pale Rose
Jamie Ivey
It’s a three-for-the-road tale when Londoner Jamie Ivey, his wife Tanya, and friend Peter Tate take to the south of France in search of the palest rose wine. With the French viewing rose as a flavourless drink fit only for tourists, the seekers and their quest are treated with contempt. And yet, as the journey unfolds they detect a shift in attitude which just might help them make it to their goal. A jolly tale with a dollop of travel information, this is a delightful companion for summer reading. Softcover, 292 pp. $16.95.
The Wine Maker's Answer Book
Alison Crowe
Why measure titratable acidity levels? How do I improve colour?
This chunky little pocket guide has the solution to every obstacle between you and great wine. A graduate of the University of California Davis’s viticulture and enology programme, Crowe is a columnist of Wine Maker magazine. Softcover, 384 pp. $19.95.
 ItalianWines 2007
Gambero Rosso
The stars must be aligned properly since the much prized Italian wine handbook (English edition) has actually arrived in the same year in which it was published. With almost 1000 pages featuring 2200 wineries, and 16000 wines from every region, it is the most comprehensive and up-to-date book on Italian wine. Along with the descriptions there are tables listing wines of the year, "star" wines, and a 1971-2003 vintage chart. Celebrating its 20th anniversary(10th in English), it is a Slow Food Editione. Softcover, 960 pp. $43.50.
 The Art and Science of Wine
James Halliday & Hugh Johnson
Updated to reflect current practices, this book explains the creation of wine from vine to bottle. The authors cover everything from terroir, disease & pests, to practices specific to different regions and wine types. Both prolific authors, Halliday and Johnson are adept at translating technical information so that anyone can understand it. Colour photos and illustrations. Softcover, 240 pp. $29.95.
 The Wine Atlas of Canada
Tony Aspler
Who would have guessed that Taiwan is the greatest importer of Canadian wine?
This is just one of the fascinating tidbits scattered through the first Canadian
Wine Atlas. With a quarter century of publishing books on the Canadian
wine industry, Tony Aspler, with an assist from regional wine authorities, is
a fitting author for this work. Besides an historical overview of the industry
as a whole, there is a thorough examination of each region (British Columbia,
Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritimes) with a thumbnail sketch of the wineries,
including tourist information. Like any good wine atlas, this work is lavishly
illustrated with maps and colour photographs. Hardcover, 288 pp, $60.00.
 Oxford
Companion to Wine, 3rd Edition
Jancis Robinson
A return visit from one of the world's foremost wine writers. Celebrating the
latest edition of the Oxford Companion to Wine. British Master
of Wine, Jancis Robinson makes wine a fun learning experience whether you're
a beginner or long time collector. The latest edition of the Companion adds almost
400 new entries. Hardcover, $75.00.
 Keys
to the Cellar: Strategies and Secrets of Wine Collecting
Peter Meltzer
Peter Meltzer brings over two decades of experience as a wine critic
to this vastly under served area of wine. This is the book for those
looking to better understand auctions and also those beginning to
start a wine collection. As auction correspondent for the Wine
Spectator and
a contributor to Food
Arts magazine, Toronto-born Meltzer demystifies the process
in this engaging book. 256 pp. $32.95.
 Matt Kramer's Making Sense of Italian Wine
Matt Kramer
This guide explains why Italian wines are so fascinating, which wines
are worth buying at all price points, and even gives tips on pronunciation,
traditions, terroir and climatic influences.
A must for beginners or devotees of Italian vintages. Hardcover, 280
pp. $30.00.
 Malcolm
Gluck's Brave New World
Malcolm Gluck
A firm believer in the importance of the winemaker's personality
over the terroir in determining the character of a wine, Gluck sets
out to prove his point by introducing readers to several of the main
players in the wine industries of Australia and New Zealand, South
Africa, and California. Colour photos. 191 pp. $38.95.
 Red,
White, and Drunk All Over
Natalie Maclean
Through sheer depth of knowledge and enthusiasm, Natalie MacLean has
made her free on-line wine newsletter, Nat Decants, into a must-read
for wine lovers. In her first book, MacLean takes her readers along
on an inside out tour of the wine world from the vineyards of France
to a look at the effects international critics like Robert Parker have
had on what we drink today. 279 pp. $29.95.
 The Wines of Canada
John Schreiner
Everything you wanted to know about the Canadian wine industry from
grape varieties to the current top estates and the latest developments
is now available in a trade paperback edition. Includes a few maps.
Softcover, 312 pp. $24.95.
 The
Wines of Austria
Philipp Blom
Once either despised or at best, ignored, the wines of Austria have
risen dramatically in quality in recent years. In profiling each of
the wine producing regions with the major estates and winemakers, Philipp
Blom explores the reasons for the remarkable turnaround. Another in
Mitchell Beazley's Classic Wine Library series (formerly the
Faber & Faber
series), this book features maps, a guide to the grape varieties, and
an outline of wine making techniques. 200 pp. $38.95.
 Windows
on the World Complete Wine Course
Kevin Zraly
In an eerie coincidence, the 2007 edition of this celebrated wine course
arrived on our doorstep on the fifth anniversary of the demise of the
restaurant atop the World Trade Centre. Despite the loss of the restaurant,
the wine school has lived on to see its 30th birthday this year. New
material in this edition includes an expanded wine tasting section.
Colour photos. 292 pp. $26.95.
 Wine,
Food & Friends
Karen MacNeil
Using Cooking Light recipes for her seasonal menus, wine writer, consultant
and television hostess Karen MacNeil (Wine Bible,
$29.95) demonstrates how to achieve a marriage of food and wine that
enhances
both. Colour
photos. 192 pp. $32.95.
 Bordeaux:
Medoc & Graves
Stephen Brook
An award-winning wine writer, Stephen Brook's update on
the Left Bank of Bordeaux is another in the excellent Classic Wine
Library series for Mitchell Beazley. As with the other books in the
series,
the text moves from the general - terroir, grape type, vine age,
to the particular - from the greatest producers to the promising
newcomers. Includes a limited number of maps. Hardcover, $45.95
 A Pocket Guide to Ontario Wines, Wineries, Vineyards, & Vines
Konrad Ejbich
With meticulous detail on the producers and products of both the established
and emerging wine regions, this tiny, perfect guide lives up to its hype as
an "essential
for anyone buying Ontario wines." Softcover, 272 pp, $22.99.
 The Wines of Canada
John Schreiner
That there is now a book on Canadian wine in the celebrated Mitchell
Beazley classic wine library (formerly the Faber wine series) is
a sure sign that Canadian wines have come of age on the international
stage. Vancouver-based Canadian wine authority, John Schreiner
focuses
on the leading producers, wineries, and wines. Maps. Hardcover,
307 pp, $39.95.
 Matching
Wine & Food
Michel Roux Jr.
Drawing on a quarter century of experience, Michel Roux, Jr. is always
willing to challenge common wine wisdom to highlight both food and
wine -- e.g.
a grilled marinated beef Cantonese with Australian Riesling. Colour
photos. Hardcover, 191 pp, $39.95.
 North
American Pinot Noir
John Winthrop Haeger
With precious little on pinot noir north of the 49th parallel, this
book is not quite so comprehensive as its author and publisher
would have us believe. Nonetheless, with its history and tasting
notes, it is a good introduction. Colour maps. Hardcover, 445 pp,
$50.95.
 Port
and the Douro
Richard Mayson
Part of the Faber and Faber wine series, this second edition of Port
and the Douro features a study of port production, profiles of
its producers and reports on vintages into the 19th century. Drawings,
no photos. Hardcover, 398 pp, $39.95.
 Opera & Wine Wine in Opera
Valentino Monticello
Combining the best of all worlds - art, wine, opera - London-based sommelier
and consultant Valentino Monticello illustrated his book on the intersection
of wine and opera with opera-scene collages created from wine labels. Hardcover,
263 pp, $150.00.
 The Wineries of British Columbia
John Schreiner
The authority on British Columbia winemaking, John Schreiner has completely revised
and updated the text which includes histories, interviews, awards and recommended
wines. B & w wine label photos. Two maps. Paper, 374 pp, $22.95.
 Wines
of Bordeaux
Clive Coates
A little history, profiles of both the noted chateaux and the rising stars, and,
of course, Clive s inimitable tasting notes for the vintages from 1952-2003 comprise
the latest book from one of the world s leading wine writers. Illustrated. Hardcover,
720 pp, $100.00.
 Supertuscans
Andrea Zanfi
The author explores how imaginative producers and technicians have combined age-old
methods and new grape varieties to create wines that are among the greatest in
the world. Colour photos. Paper, 387 pp, $125.00.
 The
Mystique of Barolo
Maurizio Rosso and Chris Meier
Through interviews with a diverse group of producers, the authors show the routes
taken over the past quarter century to restore Barolo s reputation. Maps, label
illustrations, colour and b & w photos. Hardcover, 287pp, $125.00.
 The
Accidental Connoisseur
Lawrence Osborne
A contributor to both Salon and The New York Times
Magazine,
Lawrence Osborne explores the heights and depths of the wine industry as he
searches for the reasons wine has changed so dramatically in only two generations.
Hardcover, 262pp, $32.50.
 Barbera
Burton Anderson, Mario Busso, Maurizio Gily, Donato Lanati
Profiles
of 51 of Piedmont’s finest Barberas help flesh out the reality
beyond the hype, lifting this wine ever upward in the wine popularity sweepstakes.
Colour photos. Hardcover, 145pp, $70.00.
Great Wine Terroirs
Janet Fanet
The assistant director of the National Institute of Appellations in France chronicles
the taste of the earth that is at the heart of wine. Photos, maps, cross-sections.Hardcover,
239 pp, $49.95.
Noble Rot
William Echikson
The author of Burgundy StarsBurgundy Stars (o/p) turns his critical eye on the
centre of the wine world, Bordeaux, using 2001 to illustrate the competing methods
used by the old and new regimes beginning with decisions made in the vineyard
and ending with a glass in hand in the tasting room. Hardcover, 288 pp, $37.50.
Planet Wine
Stuart Pigott
Drinks-Wine
English-born but now a German resident, Stuart Pigott made his wine-writing name
on German wines. Here he focuses on wine grapes in contemporary winemaking with
writing that is both informative and entertaining. Colour photos. Hardcover,
155 pp, $39.95.
 Brunello to Zibibbo
Nicolas Belfrage
When Clive Coates pronounces something “the definitive work on the subject”,
who can argue? Belfrage shares the latest on the wines of Tuscany - especially
the Super Tuscans, and those of central and southern Italy Includes a guide to
pronunciation. Maps, b& w photos of wine labels. Softcover, 493 pp, $39.95.
 Barolo to Valpolicella
Nicolas Belfrage
In this revised edition of his highly regarded book on the wines of northern
Italy, Nicolas Belfrage makes a call for a revision to current Italian wine
laws.Addresses and numbers for producers profiled. A few maps, a few wine labels
in b& w. Hardcover, 356 pp. $39.95.
 A Fool and Forty Acres
Geoff Heinricks
Occasionally dry(the historical bits),often seductive(the bits about grafting),
this tale of a fledgling vineyard in Ontario’s Prince Edward county is
a must read for anyone who has thought of chucking city life for farming. Softcover,
275 pp. $21.99.
 Bordeaux (Fourth
Edition)
Robert M. Parker, Jr.
More than you need to know about Bordeaux, this hefty book contains
a thorough tourist guide to the region and near-countless wines rated
by Parker. Hardcover, 1244 pp. $94.00.
 Icon: Art Of The Wine Label
Jeffrey Caldewey & Chuck House
From British Columbia's Mission Hill down the Pacific Coast, Caldewey
and House have designed labels for all the great wineries. Whether
featuring European elegance (Mondavi) or New World minimalism (Ramian's "Chapter
One"), the labels demonstrate the power of the visual to evoke flavours and qualities.
287 pp. $135.00.
 Have
A Glass
Kenji Hodgson & James Nevison
In this modern guide to wine, the authors deconstruct wine myths and aid a new
generation in discovering the pleasures of wine, all in an approachable, personal
manner. Softcover, 240 pp. $19.95.
The Wines Of South America
Monty Walden
A much-needed title, exploring the culture and traditions of winemaking
throughout South America. Full colour photos and maps. Hardcover, 192pp.,
$60.00.
 The Italian Wine Guide: Where to go and what to see, drink and eat
The Touring Club of Italy
The authoritative guide on the best wine producers in Italy, the
most important grappa distilleries, and where to drink by region.
Concise maps and coverage of all 305 wines in the DOC and DOCG appellations
are included. 584 pages. $34.95.
 Icewine: The Complete Story
John Schreiner
The phenomenon among wine lovers comes to life in this extensive
book which showcases ice wines from their birthplace in Germany in
Austria to their migration to Canada, the U.S., eastern Europe, and
Australia and New Zealand. $50.00
 Burton Anderson's Best Italian
Wines
Burton Anderson
In-depth profiles of more than 200 producers explain both the concept
behind each wine's production and how it has worked in practice.The book is
organized by region and then alphabetically by producer. Photos of each bottle.
Only one map. 448 pp. $49.95.
 American Vintage
Paul Lukacs
This book chronicles the improbable rise of America
as a leader in winemaking. It has a variety of 'quirky heros' who
helped pioneer the wine industry
making it an enjoyable history lesson. All the major players in winemaking
in the US are put into their historical context. Softcover, $24.00.
 Jancis Robinson's Wine Tasting
Workbook
Jancis Robinson
The acclaimed British wine writer has divided each chapter into theory
and practice sections -- the better for the reader to grasp each
concept. Subjects range from
importance of 'nose' to a detailed profile of grape varieties,
Robinson's area of expertise. Colour photos. $42.00.
Short History Of Wine
Rod Phillips
An Ottawa-based history professor, Phillips has produced a rigorously
researched yet highly entertaining look at wine from ancient to
modern times. Hardcover, $39.99.
Wine by Style
Fiona Beckett
Rather than region or grape, Beckett organizes the book by style - light reds, full
bodies etc. She tells how to read the labels for clues to a wine's style with food.
Colour photos. $24.95.
Wine Uncorked
Fiona Beckett
Complete with tasting wheels, this book features all the basics to lead you to an
appreciation of fine wine. Hard cover, lavishly illustrated $35.95.
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