The Wine Avenger

Irreverent, informative, and controversial, this book offers indispensable information for beginners as well as for wine enthusiasts. 2-color throughout. 50 line drawings.

Preface

Introduction

TASTE: It's Not What You Think

WINE AND FOOD: The Basics

WHERE DO GREAT WINES COME FROM?

QUALITY: What to Look For

OAK: The MSG of Wine

THE GRAPES

WHITES

Chardonnay

Sauvignon Blanc

Chenin Blanc

Riesling

Und...Other Germanic Grapes

REDS

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Sangiovese

Nebbiolo

Syrah

Zinfandel

Pinot Noir

Barbera

Gamay

Cabernet Franc

HOUSEKEEPING

Storage: Do's and Don'ts

The Bad Bottle

Decanting: When and How

Is Older Wine Better?

Serving Temperature

The Sulfite Thing

Saving Opened Wine

Cooking with Wine

RETAIL: Buyer Beware

WINE IN RESTAURANTS: Dining's Downside

AN OPEN LETTER To RESTAURANT CRITICS

BRING YOUR OWN

WINE RATINGS: What's the Real Score?

CHAMPAGNE: WIth Respect

WINES FOR FOOD

The Strategy

A Few Helpful Do's and Don'ts

Appetizers

Salads and Vegetables

Seafood

Pizza

Pasta

Roasted Meats

Game

Picnics

ETHNIC CUISINES

ITALY

Northern

Central

Sicily and the South

Germany, Austria, and the Scandinavian Countries

FRANCE

Northern and Central

Provence and the Southwest

Alsace

Spicy Foods of the Wesern Hemisphere

Tex-Mex/Southwestern

Mexican

Caribbean

Cajun/Creole

Indian and Asian

Thai and Vietnamese

Indian

Chinese

Japanese

Cheese

Desserts

SO...

Index