venerdì 10 ottobre 2008

Red, white & drunk all over; by Natalie MacLean


There are thousands of books about wine out there. Some are very informative, such as Clive Coates' The wines of Bordeaux or Nicholas Faith's The winemasters of Bordeaux, but not many are, how can I say? Fun to read as well as interesting and informative. Natalie MacLean's "Red, White & Drunk all over" falls exactly in that category. It's really fun to read, while at the same time it gives enough "insider stuff" that even the most accomplished wine enthusiast will learn a thing or two.

Drinking and enjoying wine should be a pleasure no matter what the person's knowledge or experience is. It should never be a daunting experience, one should never feel intimidated when buying or choosing a wine.

Ms. Maclean's book is about this simple albeit sometimes forgotten concept. Her book is not for those wine freaks who know everything about a winemaker's family, nor it is a technical book in the strict sense. Like I said, it will probably teach even the most accomplished wine experts a few things, but it's never ostentatious nor boring, rather quite the opposite. "Red, White and Drunk All Over" is simply an ode to the most incredible beverage ever invented and through a series of anectodes Ms. Maclean brings the matter back to earth from the heavens where, it seems it usually resides by reading other accomplished writers.

Not only Natalie Maclean is witty and resourceful, but her self deprecating humor is a breath of fresh air and her book will be dear to all those who want to enjoy a good bottle without being too serious and pedantic about it.

www.natdecants.com