Sniffing the Cork: And Other Wine Myths Demystified

By Judy Beardsall

Book Overview

From the warm and funny perspective of nationally known wine expert Judy Beardsall, Sniffing the Cork: And Other Wine Myths Demystified shares tips that will help you cut through the snobbish opinions of clerks and waiters to find wine you truly enjoy for all occasions.

After twenty years in the wine business, trailblazer Judy Beardsall shares her passion with the world through this entertaining guide to all things wine and why it should be savored, not sipped.

Perfect for those intimidated by wine and connoisseurs alike, Beardsall takes readers on a tour of the wine world, offering guidance that will help anyone understand what to look for, what to spend, and how to communicate when purchasing wine.

Readers will as find answers to the myths surrounding the wine world, such as why you should not sniff the cork, as well as the secrets to understanding "winespeak," the nutritional and therapeutic benefits of wine, the keys to properly serving, storing, and collecting wine, and multiple suggestions of affordable wines--perfect for both connoisseurs and those daunted by wine shops and wine lists.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743438019
• ISBN13: 9780743438018
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

WHO KNEW WINE COULD BE THIS FUN!

"Sniffing the Cork: And Other Wine Myths Demystified" is not only very informative but really fun to read. Judy Beardsall uses a lot of anecdotes and work stories to illustrate her points, usually with hilarious results and you think to yourself, "Thank God that didn't happen to me!" It also breathes with the passion that Ms. Beardsall has for wine. This passion is easily transferred to the reader and makes you want to go to your nearest wine store ASAP. That is saying a lot if you knew me. I am a single woman in my late twenties and have never understood much about wine. Nor did I really have an interest to find out. I have always relied on other people to pick out the wine at dinner, etc. Reading this book was almost like getting run over by a truck, but in a good way! I was immediately transported into this world of wine that always seemed so elusive, so far away, so out of my league. Ms. Beardsall makes it clear from the start that this line of thinking couldn't be further from the truth. I was constantly breathing a sigh of relief when she would demystify a common thought, practice or fear. For instance, if someone asked me to describe what a wine tasted like, I would usually keep it simple for fear of not saying the right thing, fear of not using the right wine speak. This will happen no more! Why? Because Ms. Beardsall, who has earned and deserves a prestigious reputation as a wine expert, says in her book that any words can be used to describe a wine as long as you choose them yourself. Basically, anything goes (insert sigh of relief). Ms. Beardsall also takes you through the whole wine process from the choice of land to the corking to the serving it with a meal be it at home or a gala. Another great section of this book is on the health benefits of wine. I have always heard that wine was good for my health was never quite sure why. That is until I read Ms. Beardsall's chapter on it and I was not only enlightened but downright convinced that wine is essential to a long and healthy life. That whole chapter is simply amazing!This book, most importantly, has given me the tools and the confidance to get out there and try different varieties of wine on my own and not be intimidated. I highly recommend this book because it is great for those who think they know about wine, those who don't know anything about wine and want to learn, or those who are just looking for a good read (I was in this last category). You'll learn something and laugh at the same time despite yourself! I'll take that wine menu please!