I should probably change the name of this column from Cookbook of the Day to Food Book of the Day, for the number of times I write about books that aren't strictly cooking related. However, I always try to write about books that will increase your ability to enjoy and appreciate your food and drink. Take today's book, for example. Written by Wine Library TV host, Gary Vaynerchuk, 101 Wines Guaranteed to Inspire, Delight, and Bring Thunder to Your World isn't a cookbook. But it is a book that will help you find the wines that will enhance your meals, dinner parties and cookouts. So, to me, it fits. The cool thing about this book is that it isn't your standard wine guide, with the same stuffy three sentences to explain why you should or shouldn't be drinking a particular wine. If you've ever watched Wine Library TV, you'll know that Gary is working hard to turn the wine world on it's head and make drinking wine a more accessible and fun activity and this book continues to move that mission forward. His personality translates to text really well and so makes 101 Wines a highly entertaining read.
One helpful thing about the book, in addition to the two pages devoted to each of the 101 wines is that the last few pages are broken up in groupings that will let you know that five best wines for the beach or from the places you least expect. It's a fun way to think about wine and I plan on taking this book with me next time I head to the liquor store.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-22-2008 @ 1:19AM
MikeB said...
I
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5-22-2008 @ 1:26AM
mike said...
Odd, it cut off my post.
Anyways, for those that have never been exposed to GV then you are in for a treat. He never disappoints. Change the wine world is definitely being spearheaded by him. It is really nice to hear a professional opinion on wine that talks more about Skittles, gym socks, and cat poop than the more traditional (and unhelpful) highbrow descriptions.
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5-22-2008 @ 11:15AM
Bob Mc said...
Yes, I'm a "Vayniac,", and yes I bought this book (actually, two copies.) It's not as entertaining as his video blog, but it is informative. He has unique way of describing what he smells and tastes in his wines which comes across in this book.
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8-13-2008 @ 2:24PM
Erica said...
We watch Gary V's show every day here in the AmericanWinery.com offices! We call it a Vaynerbreak - the Thunder Show always pumps us up for the last half of the day. The nice thing about the book is that Gary's "voice" has translated well to the written word, and you don't have to rewind all the funny bits!
http://blog.americanwinery.com/2008/08/01/erica-sharp-on-gary-vaynerchuks-101-wines/
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