The Booklovers' Guide To Wine

"Listen up, lovers of cheap wine (aka everybody who reads this column): Wine expert Patrick Alexander says we're drinking the right thing. …. Alexander knows a lot about wine, and he enjoys pairing wines with some of his favorite writers (Shakespeare with sherry, J.R.R. Tolkien with Albariñntilde;o, Jane Austen with Chardonnay)." -Connie Ogle: Book editor and wine columnist for the Miami Herald

“Amazingly comprehensive. It was a good read for me as a wine enthusiast but for a novice it would be a heck of a resource. I really like the structure of the chapters. .... Overall, a solid wine book and the compilation of information must have taken a heck of a long time to put together. The history and context is awesome. The details on varieties and wine regions is amazing." —Chris O’Shea: Editor/ Writer. The Unfussy Wine Enthusiasts

"If anyone defined the phrase Renaissance Man, Patrick is just that person. I don’t think I’ve ever met someone with such a rich intellect, having such diverse interests, and able to pair his love of history, geography, economics, and alcohol with so much humor. I am proud that my bookstore inspired this book, and I am happy that my friendship made it possible." —MItchell Kaplan, owner Books & Books

"This is the book I wish I had years ago. Who knew that soil and climate has so much to do with how a glass of wine ends up tasting? Patrick Alexander knows all that and more in the spectacular book. I love learning about writers and their favorite vintages, simply fascinating!" —Nina Lesowitz, author of The Party Girl Cookbook

"What a delightful and singular book—the pairings of wine and books is every oenophile's dream. Now I know exactly what to imbibe when rereading Tolkien." —Susannah Seton, author of Simple Pleasures

"Patrick Alexander opens the door to his world of wine for the reader, and lets his passion shine through. I know pairing wine with books is a lifestyle choice that Patrick generously loves to share." —Alex Susser, author of New World Cuisine

"Every bit as edifying and entertaining is Patrick Alexander’s Booklovers’ Guide to Wine (Mango, 394 pages, $19.95), which takes pairing to a new level: matching great reading with tasty wines. This book would be a highly recommendable primer on wine without the literary references as Alexander guides us through regions and grapes, plus how to truly appreciate this nectar. But the hefty chapter matching grapes with authors is pure delight: albariño and J.R.R. Tolkien, chardonnay and Jane Austen, and his personal favorite, gewüuuml;rztraminer and Marcel Proust. Amazingly, every explanation of the matchups makes so much sense that it’s impossible to imagine another author for that wine, or vice versa." —Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Patrick’s conversational writing style and wit makes readers feel as if they are attending his class. The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine covers vast amounts of information without ever becoming dry in delivery. I found myself making quick progress through the 350-plus pages, continuously engaged along the way. Isn’t that what we all want from a good book?" —Texas Wine Lover"

Patrick Alexander, author of The Booklovers’ Guide to Wine and host of Books & Books’ wine appreciation course, says which glass you use doesn’t make much difference. The important thing is that the bowl should narrow at the top to focus and concentrate the aromas,” he says. “Personally I like big glasses with stems. . . . Also glass should be plain and clear, not colored or engraved.” —Miami Herald

“Guides to the wide world of wine are many