Have a Glass : A Modern Guide to Wine

by Nevison, James

• ISBN13: 9781552854709
• ISBN10: 1552854701
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-04-01
• Publisher: Whitecap Books Ltd

Summary

Halfaglass, aka James Nevison and Kenji Hodgson, was formed in response to the realization that no one was "talking wine" to twenty-somethings in a way that seemed relevant to their lifestyles. To create this book, James and Kenji travelled the globe, tasted copious amounts of wine, and researched and interviewed endlessly. The result is an upbeat guide to wine filled with entertaining stories and information on essential topics such as grape varietals, winemaking, and wine regions. Have a Glass sheds the complicated terminology and pretensions that have alienated younger wine drinkers, and helps readers to better understand and enjoy wine.With anecdotes and attitude, this book explores the mythology and history of wine from the Old World to the New, from Champagne to Chardonnay, and from Merlot to Muscadet. Throughout, the focus is on using wine to create and enhance an experience, whether it is finding the perfect wine to accompany a meal or ordering with confidence in a restaurant. For those new to wine, and those who want to know the latest trends in wine, Have a Glass is essential reading.

Author Biography

Kenji Hodgson's father first sparked his interest in wine, and Kenji's ensuing passion for the grape has prompted many pursuits, including an epic, endurance-testing two weeks at the 2002 harvest in Pouilly-Fuiss+¬, France. He has an Advanced Certificate from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust of London and admits to "a soft spot for wines of the Old World, despite my contemporary disposition."

James Nevison found "The Good Life"--as defined by the harmonious union of wine, food, and friends-while living in Barcelona, Spain. After studying commerce at the University of British Columbia, he gained certification from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust of London. His subsequent wayfaring has taken him around the world to taste the wine of six wine-producing continents.

Table of Contents

foreword A Toast to the Good Life	7	(4)
Wine Living	11	(6)
The Good Life	12	(1)
The Abridged Story of Wine	13	(4)
Wine Myths	17	(6)
Falsities Abound	18	(5)
Tasting Wine	23	(18)
Tasting vs. Drinking	27	(2)
Describing Wine	29	(2)
Four-Step Tasting Method	31	(6)
Making a Conclusion	37	(4)
Guide to Grapes	41	(16)
The Personalities Behind the Wine	44	(1)
Mainstream White Grapes	45	(3)
Mainstream Red Grapes	48	(2)
Lesser-Known White Grapes	50	(1)
Lesser-Known Red Grapes	51	(6)
Food & Wine	57	(26)
What Goes?	61	(7)
The Rules	68	(15)
Buying & Collecting Wine	83	(16)
The Rules	86	(6)
Collecting Wine	92	(7)
Serving Wine	99	(20)
Opening the Bottle	102	(6)
Decanting	108	(3)
Serving Temperature	111	(1)
Pouring Wine	112	(1)
Glasses	113	(3)
Leftovers	116	(3)
Ordering Wine	119	(14)
The Restaurant Scene	123	(1)
Selection	124	(1)
Service	125	(1)
Navigating the Wine Menu	126	(1)
The Future of Wine Lists	127	(1)
The Ritual	128	(5)
Winemaking	133	(18)
Red, White, and Pink	137	(1)
The Magic Formula	138	(8)
Style	146	(1)
Wine to Pair with Granola	147	(4)
The Old World	151	(26)
Old School	155	(4)
France	159	(3)
Italy	162	(3)
Spain	165	(4)
Portugal	169	(2)
Germany	171	(3)
Eastern Europe	174	(3)
The New World	177	(24)
New School	182	(2)
Canada	184	(2)
California	186	(2)
Other States	188	(2)
Chile	190	(2)
Argentina	192	(2)
South Africa	194	(2)
Australia	196	(3)
New Zealand	199	(2)
Bubbles & Brandy	201	(16)
Alternative Wines	205	(12)
Enjoying Wine	217	(12)
Like Your Wine	220	(1)
Attend a Wine Tasting	221	(2)
Brown Baggin' It	223	(2)
Making Wine	225	(1)
Visits to Wine Regions	226	(3)
Future of Wine	229	(6)
Wine Trends	230	(3)
Trends We'd Like to See	233	(2)
Select Bibliography	235	(1)
Acknowledgements	236	(1)
Index	237