Secrets of the Sommeliers

Life and prespective changing book.

Este libro es un acto de gerenosidad, y conocimiento, el autor comparte con generosidad lo que ha aprendido, lo que conoce, huye de los tópicos tipicos, para acercarnos a lo práctico a lo real, ayundando al lector a acercárse al vino de alta gama sin vaciar la cuenta, honesto

Loved it. Great writing and helps you a lot to understand the basics of wine. Not too complicated. A lot of pictures as well that helps you associate/understand. Strongly recommend for the ones that wants to know the basics of wine

Let's start with the worst part of this book: the title. I had to hold my nose and buy it despite the horrible do it yourself, self improvement/self congratulatory vibe of that clumsy moniker. But don't let that keep you from buying this informative and entertaining book, whether you are in the wine trade, a serious amateur, or just a wanna be. Ed Anderson's excellent photography is one of the draws. There are some really stunning portraits of Dominique Lafon, Jean-Marc Roulot, Freddy Mugnier, Etienne de Montille and others. Another plus is the collection of biographical sketches of a number of high profile sommeliers -- Larry Stone, Rajat Parr, Daniel Johnnes, Kevin Zraly and others. It's always interesting to read how other people found their true calling. But the most valuable part of the book is the common sense advice about buying wine, where to find it, and how to cellar and serve it; along with insights into the day to day joys, trials and tribulations of the folks who serve the stuff up in tony restaurants across the land. There are brief profiles of the great wine grapes and the best examples of each -- pinot noir, cabernet, merlot, cabernet franc, and so on. A discussion of the pros and cons of buying wine at auction, and how to find the best deals by avoiding the 'blue chip' names and vintages and using your wine knowledge to get value for money. A discussion of wine and food matching. How to pick your way through a restaurant wine list to find the hidden treasures to be found in just about every good list. A number of reviewers here appear offended that the book strongly emphasizes the wines of Burgundy. If that bothers you, I suppose you should stay away. If that emphasis doesn't trouble you, or if it might even be a draw, as it is for me, then by all means pick up a copy. It's a fun ride. Well worth reading. And apparently I'm not alone in that view - this just won a James Beard Foundation award for one of the best food and wine books of the year.

Thoroughly enjoyed the book, and even I do not agree on the opinion expressed about Priorat wines, this is a very expert book

This book was a joy to read. I am a wine novice yet I am eager to learn about wines and the culture of wine. The book is well written, engaging, and highly educational without being the least bit pretentious. Raj Parr is considered by many a celebrity sommelier, and his reputation is well earned. He is leading the way for a new group of young sommeliers and wine lovers with methods to better approach and appreciate wines. Reading the book helped me better select wines, find great values, and have a strategy when I see a wine list or go into a wine store. I can now pick a great wine and have a better experience. The book provides a solution for moving beyond Robert Parker scores and gives you the information to be your own person and understand what you like, not what scores tell you that you should like. I have read many wine books and this is clearly the best. I continue to use it as my primary reference guide. It is full of fabulous photographs and is a beautiful book worthy of being left on the coffee table. I highly recommend it.