Wine Insights #1

An older book that's perfect for beginners, the epitome of modern wine writing, and a surprisingly good example of Cabernet Franc from Argentina.

Welcome to Wine Insights. This quick read will create new paths for your wine learning. Each week, I highlight a wine book, blog, and bottle that are worth your time.

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101 Things You Need To Know About Wine

This book by Andrew Jefford is from 1998, but it’s still a fantastic resource for beginners.

I’m grateful to have found this book thanks to a Twitter conversation.

Richard Sherwood @rpjsherwood

@HenryGJeffreys It's by necessity a little broad-brush but so much more than just a bluffer's guide.

What I’ve discovered in my first pass is that Andrew Jefford is the wine friend/mentor we all wish we had. He is clear and concise with the gift of humor.

And he offers the best words of caution:

Wine is confusing and chaotic, so suggestions matter. And they can be treacherous.

So, if you’re here, you’ve been warned.

Caribou Bones and Burgundy

This short read from Elaine Chukan Brown is everything I love about great wine writing.

Two things make great wine writing: opinion and perspective.

In a world that seems dominated by old white men, elevating and amplifying BIPOC wine writers is even more important.

In this 4 minute read, Elaine rediscovers their childhood in Alaska inside a glass of red Burgundy.

Casa de Uco El Salvaje Cabernet Franc

I was doing some wine research on South American (read as wine shopping and drinking) and I stumbled across this Casa de Uco El Salvaje Cabernet Franc from Argentina.

I’m a complete sucker for Cabernet Franc in nearly any form—here’s my beginner’s guide to Cabernet Franc.

This wine did not disappoint. I was able to buy it at 13 USD, and that felt like an absolute steal. A perfect starter Cab Franc because the greenness is subdued by the ripe red fruit aromas.

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