Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the diversity of wine and drink the rainbow
There are many styles of winemaking to transform those grapes. There are hundreds of wine appellations. There are a thousand shades of rosé, and beyond pink wine, there's orange wine, too.
Explore the spectrum. The world of wine is more diverse and exciting than ever before. Don't limit yourself to familiar choices like Chardonnay or Cabernet Sauvignon. Instead, venture into the myriad of styles, regions, and grape varieties available. Try wines from lesser-known areas like Georgia, Croatia, or the Jura. Experiment with different colors beyond red and white, including various shades of rosé and orange wines.
Seek out unique experiences. Look for wines made using traditional methods, such as pétillant-naturel or amphora-aged wines. Explore indigenous grape varieties that are specific to certain regions. Don't be afraid to try wines with unfamiliar names or from places you've never heard of. Remember, the joy of wine lies in discovery and expanding your palate.
2. Focus on quality and value, not prestige or price
A wine's price rarely reflects its quality.
Seek out hidden gems. Many excellent wines are available at reasonable prices, especially from lesser-known regions or up-and-coming producers. Look for:
- Wines from unfashionable regions
- Lesser-known grape varieties
- Smaller, independent producers
Understand pricing factors. Wine prices are influenced by various factors beyond quality, including:
- Land costs in prestigious regions
- Marketing and brand recognition
- Limited production quantities
- Aging requirements (e.g., Barolo, premium Bordeaux)
Remember that expensive doesn't always mean better. Trust your palate and focus on finding wines that deliver quality and enjoyment for your budget.
3. Master essential wine terminology and tasting techniques
Acidity might be the most important quality in wine.
Key components of wine. Understanding the basic elements of wine will enhance your appreciation:
- Acidity: Provides freshness and balance
- Tannins: Contribute structure and aging potential (primarily in red wines)
- Body: The weight and texture of the wine in your mouth
- Alcohol: Affects the wine's warmth and perceived sweetness
- Fruit characteristics: Range from fresh to dried fruit flavors
Tasting technique. Develop a systematic approach to tasting:
- Look: Observe the wine's color and clarity
- Swirl: Release aromas and observe viscosity
- Smell: Identify primary aromas (fruit, floral, herbal)
- Taste: Assess flavors, acidity, tannins, and finish
- Think: Consider overall balance and quality
Practice describing wines using specific terms rather than vague descriptors. Focus on identifying key characteristics and how they interact, rather than listing every possible flavor you detect.
4. Understand wine storage, serving, and aging principles
Don't get too fixated on oak in wine. Its original purpose was for storage, not flavour.
Proper storage is crucial. Keep wine away from heat, light, and vibration:
- Ideal temperature: 7–14°C (45–58°F)
- Store bottles horizontally to keep corks moist
- Avoid kitchen storage near appliances
Serving temperatures matter. Serve wine at the right temperature to maximize enjoyment:
- Sparkling and light whites: 8–12°C (47–53°F)
- Full-bodied whites and light reds: 12–16°C (53–60°F)
- Full-bodied reds: 17–19°C (62–67°F)
Aging is optional. Most wines are meant to be consumed young. Only age wines that are specifically designed for long-term cellaring, and ensure proper storage conditions. When in doubt, drink your wines while they're fresh and vibrant.
5. Debunk common wine myths and misconceptions
Stop worrying about sulphites.
Sulfites are not the enemy. Sulfites occur naturally in wine and are often added as a preservative. They rarely cause adverse reactions and are present in many other foods at higher levels.
Other myths to discard:
- Expensive wines are always better
- Screw caps indicate lower quality
- Red wine always goes with meat, white with fish
- You need a different glass for every wine type
- Wine legs indicate quality
Focus on enjoyment. Don't let misconceptions or snobbery interfere with your wine experience. Trust your palate and preferences, and remember that wine is ultimately about pleasure and sharing.
6. Develop a personalized approach to food and wine pairing
The surgical-strike approach to pairing is cruel.
Consider key elements. Instead of rigid rules, focus on balancing these factors:
- Acidity
- Sweetness
- Body/weight
- Flavor intensity
- Tannins (for red wines)
Experiment and trust your palate. There's no single perfect pairing for any dish. Try unexpected combinations and discover what works for you. Some unconventional pairings to try:
- Champagne with fried foods or popcorn
- Off-dry Riesling with spicy Asian cuisine
- Light red wines (e.g., Beaujolais) with fish dishes
Remember that personal preference trumps traditional rules. If you enjoy a particular combination, that's all that matters.
7. Navigate restaurant wine lists and sommelier interactions confidently
Ordering wine is a conversation, not a test.
Engage with the sommelier. Be clear about your preferences and budget. Don't be afraid to ask questions or for recommendations. A good sommelier will guide you to wines that suit your taste and meal, not just push expensive bottles.
Look for value on the list:
- Lesser-known regions or grape varieties
- Wines from the sommelier's "passion project" section
- By-the-glass options for variety
Don't be intimidated. Remember that you're the customer, and your enjoyment is paramount. If you don't like a suggested wine, it's okay to say so and ask for alternatives. Trust your palate and don't feel pressured to choose based on prestige or price alone.
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "The New Wine Rules" about?
- Practical Wine Guide: "The New Wine Rules" by Jon Bonné is a practical guide that simplifies the world of wine for everyday enjoyment.
- Focus on Enjoyment: It emphasizes enjoying wine without the intimidation of traditional wine expertise and connoisseurship.
- Modern Wine Culture: The book addresses the evolving wine culture, encouraging readers to explore diverse wine styles and regions.
- Accessible Knowledge: It provides straightforward advice on choosing, serving, and enjoying wine, making it accessible to both novices and enthusiasts.
Why should I read "The New Wine Rules"?
- Demystifies Wine: The book demystifies wine, making it approachable and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise.
- Practical Tips: It offers practical tips for incorporating wine into everyday life, from selecting a bottle to pairing it with food.
- Encourages Exploration: Jon Bonné encourages readers to explore the diverse world of wine, moving beyond familiar choices.
- Focus on Enjoyment: The emphasis is on enjoying wine with joy and curiosity, free from the constraints of traditional wine snobbery.
What are the key takeaways of "The New Wine Rules"?
- Drink the Rainbow: Explore the diverse styles and regions of wine, moving beyond familiar choices like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- Forget "the Best": Focus on drinking good wines rather than chasing after the most expensive or "best" wines.
- Wine Shop Relationships: Build a relationship with a good wine shop employee to discover wines that match your taste.
- Wine Jargon: Don't be intimidated by wine jargon; use language that feels comfortable to you.
How does Jon Bonné suggest choosing wine in "The New Wine Rules"?
- Explore Diversity: Bonné suggests exploring a wide range of wine styles and regions, rather than sticking to familiar choices.
- Good Wine Shop: Find a good local wine shop with knowledgeable staff who can guide you based on your preferences.
- Forget "the Best": Focus on finding good wines that you enjoy, rather than seeking out the most prestigious labels.
- Trust Your Taste: Ultimately, the best wine is one that you enjoy, so trust your own taste preferences.
What are the best quotes from "The New Wine Rules" and what do they mean?
- "Drink the rainbow." This quote encourages exploring the diverse world of wine, trying different styles and regions.
- "Forget 'the best' wines. Drink good wines." It emphasizes focusing on wines you enjoy rather than chasing after expensive or prestigious labels.
- "Wine is too great a thing to be limited by fear." This quote highlights the importance of enjoying wine without intimidation or fear of judgment.
- "Wine is something that becomes a part of your life in gradual, almost invisible, steps." It suggests that wine appreciation is a journey that unfolds naturally over time.
How does "The New Wine Rules" address wine jargon?
- Use Comfortable Language: Bonné advises using language that feels comfortable to you when discussing wine.
- Avoid Pretentious Terms: He suggests avoiding pretentious or clichéd terms that don't add meaningful insight.
- Focus on Key Terms: The book highlights a few key wine terms that are useful to know, such as "tannic" or "mineral."
- Expressive Descriptions: While some wine terms are technical, others are subjective and expressive, allowing for personal interpretation.
What does Jon Bonné mean by "Drink the rainbow" in "The New Wine Rules"?
- Explore Wine Diversity: "Drink the rainbow" encourages exploring the wide variety of wine styles and colors available today.
- Move Beyond Familiar: It suggests moving beyond familiar choices like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to discover new flavors.
- Embrace New Styles: The phrase invites readers to embrace new and diverse wine styles, such as orange wine or skin-fermented whites.
- Enjoy the Experience: Ultimately, it's about enjoying the experience of discovering new wines and expanding your palate.
How does "The New Wine Rules" suggest storing wine?
- Temperature Matters: Store wine between 7°–14°C (45°–58°F) to maintain its quality, avoiding temperatures above 21°C (70°F).
- Avoid Kitchen Storage: Avoid storing wine in the kitchen, as it tends to be too warm and can degrade the wine's flavor.
- Use a Wine Fridge: If possible, use a wine fridge or a cool, dark place to store your wine.
- Keep Bottles Flat: Store bottles on their sides to keep corks moist and prevent premature aging.
What does "The New Wine Rules" say about wine and food pairing?
- No Perfect Pairing: The book emphasizes that there is no single perfect pairing; enjoy what you like with your food.
- Focus on Factors: Consider factors like acidity, texture, and sweetness rather than trying to match specific flavors.
- Break Old Rules: Traditional pairing rules, like red wine with meat, can be broken; focus on what works for you.
- Versatile Wines: Sparkling wines and off-dry Rieslings are highlighted as versatile options for a range of dishes.
How does "The New Wine Rules" address wine pricing?
- Price vs. Quality: Wine price rarely reflects its quality; many factors influence pricing beyond what's in the bottle.
- Value Wines: Look for wines that overdeliver in quality, often from lesser-known regions or out-of-fashion styles.
- Avoid Overpriced Wines: Be cautious of wines priced over £75 unless you've done your homework on their value.
- Explore Lesser-Known Regions: Regions that have fallen out of fashion often offer great value and quality.
What does "The New Wine Rules" say about wine faults?
- Common Faults: The book explains common wine faults like cork taint, oxidation, and reduction, and how to identify them.
- Not Harmful: Most wine faults are not harmful to health but can affect the wine's taste and aroma.
- Speak Up: If you encounter a faulty wine, it's okay to speak up and ask for a replacement.
- Learn to Identify: Learning to identify faults can enhance your wine appreciation and help you make informed choices.
How does "The New Wine Rules" suggest serving wine?
- Proper Temperature: Serve wines at the correct temperature to enhance their flavors and aromas.
- Decanting Benefits: Decanting can improve the taste of both red and white wines by allowing them to breathe.
- Glassware Matters: Use appropriate glassware to fully enjoy the wine's aromas and flavors.
- Pouring Tips: Pour wine to about one-third to one-half of the glass to allow for swirling and aroma release.
Review Summary
Readers find The New Wine Rules to be an excellent introduction to wine, praising its approachability and humor. Many appreciate the book's focus on enjoyment rather than expertise, finding it refreshing compared to other wine guides. While some experienced wine drinkers found it basic, most agree it's perfect for beginners or those looking to build confidence in their wine choices. The book's design and illustrations also receive positive mentions.
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.