Wine 101

Oh yes, a complex little beverage, suggestive and mischievous, yet naughty in an unassuming and playful way, without the elbows of flavor so many wines have, don't you agree? Good, then gimme another wine-shooter, will ya handsome? Memorize the above. The next time a ‘techno-bourgeois-elitist-yuppie-bore' intimidates you, don't sound like sour grapes--be sour grape knowledgeable. And be full-bodied about it! The three-volume set Wine 101 is the perfect introduction to novice winos...er ‘oenophiles', who take their drinking seriously. The first tape discusses how wine is cataloged and sold, the marriage of tradition and technology in the winemaking process, the personalities of particular grapes, and how the taste of wine is organized; fruity, floral, spicy, woodsy, nutty, all illustrated on a nifty "color" wheel. In addition, viewers will visit some of the best "new world" wine regions, including Napa Valley and Sonoma, learn the buzzword for California's unique weather condition (micro-climate), and rub shoulders with the wine district's royalty, such as the Gallos and Foppianos. What a relief to finally learn that ‘red with meat' and ‘white with fish' is personal taste and not a social faux pas. Excellent production values, nice pacing, and just a hint of humor, make this set a fine buy. The other two tapes in the set are: California's Central Coast/France and Northern France-Germany/Chianti and Port. Highly recommended, especially for those who don't already own Jancis Robinson's Wine Course (VL-5/96). Aud: P. (N. Plympton)