The New Wine Rules

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.