Ten Grapes to Know

It's easy (or easier) to become a wine expert when you narrow the field down to ten grapes. For the wine drinker who loves Pinot Noir but doesn't know what to try next, wants a French Chardonnay but isn't sure what to look for on the bottle, or needs a little support before they open the wine menu at lunch with a client, Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis's authoritative but inviting introduction to wine is an indispensable guide.

Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel make the cut. The book covers the basics of tasting (and why wines taste the way they do), buying and pairing wine. Fallis gives readers tricks to remember the difference between the cotes of Burgundy, offers dozens of specific recommendations in every price range, provides tips for talking to sommeliers and shares memorable tasting exercises. This book will help readers build their wine confidence whether they're looking for an inexpensive bottle for dinner at home or trying to impress the in- laws.

Review: If grape names are Greek to you, the wine shopping experience can feel overwhelming and stressful. Catherine Fallis has created a terrific new tool for cracking the wine label code that goes deep on the top ten grapes any wine lover needs to know to feel calm, confident, and in control when cruising the wine aisle, complete with pairing suggestions and recommended brands at every price level.--Marnie Old, author of Wine: A Tasting Course

Deeply informative.--Forbes

If you are bewildered by wine, read this and you won't be.--Paste Magazine

An incredibly efficient guide to help amateur enophiles get started on the right foot.--SOMM Journal