Russian revolution
Russia may be the largest country in the world but much of it is too cold for sustainable viticulture, with winters getting down to -15 to -30°C. Vines can tolerate -15°C but they’re dead in the water at -30°C. The exception to this situation is in the far south-western corners of the country, around Anapa and Novorossiysk on the north-eastern tip of the Black Sea, which coincidentally runs along the 45th parallel, famed further west for being home to Piedmont, the Rhône valley and Bordeaux.
Natural Wine
About 40% of the book introduces wines the author recommends, a ‘starter for ten’ on “natural” wines; an introduction to befriending minimally-manipulated wines – “the best way to enjoy natural wines is to try to forget everything you think you know about wine, and start afresh”. Not necessarily an easy ask.
Vineyards of Hampshire Wine Festival
Get thee hence to Jenkyn Place, between Alton and Farnham, on Sunday July 13th, 2014 to support, sample and secure a stash of English sparkling wines from six Hampshire-based producers.
Down to Earth
The California Wine Institute has published a book looking at sustainable practices among a selection of the state’s wine producers.
The concise guide to wine and blind tasting
Whilst this book provides admirable, and indeed concise, introductions to the wine regions of the world, it is the section on the blind tasting guide that really piqued my interest.
Wine Science, by Jamie Goode
With this new edition, Goode brings us up to date with several expanded and revitalised sections, including minerality, oxygen management and sulfur compounds.
Uncorked: the science of champagne
You’ll never again look at a glass of bubbly in the same way (though you may irresistibly find yourself comparing the bubbles in beer and bubbly.)
Christie’s world encyclopaedia of champagne and sparkling wine
Given the growing consumption of sparkling wines, and interest in them, it’s good to have an updated version of the book that focuses purely on these styles on the bookshelf.
The world atlas of wine, 7th edition
Undoubtedly this remains a book that no self-respecting wine lover should be without.
My favourite Burgundies, by Clive Coates MW
From almost anyone else, a title such as this looks to suggest a personal ramble through some nice bottles of Burgundy. But Clive Coates has huge professional experience of Burgundy, and indeed is based in the region. And it is a structured stroll through his tasting notes. But there is some new information here too, updated domaine profiles for 27 producers, and some brief observations on subjects such as premature oxidation and climate change in the region.
