Synopses & Reviews
A Napa Valley Cabernet, a French Burgundy, an Orvieto Classico shared among friends in the Umbrian hills every wine has a story, and Gerald Asher tells it best. Asher, longtime wine editor of Gourmet magazine, has an unsurpassed knowledge of vineyards, wineries, and wines. He also has the refreshing ability to write about wine informatively and entertainingly, without technical jargon. Asher's delightful Vineyard Tales evaluates wines from around the world from secret sun-drenched vineyards on Crete to the celebrated Champagne houses of France setting each wine in the context of a region's history and culture. In addition, Asher offers an expert's advice on decanting, tasting, and serving wine. Connoisseurs looking for greater insight, novices seeking an introduction, or readers who simply want to enjoy armchair travel to the world's finest vineyards, will find Vineyard Tales irresistible and discover that along the way they have also learned a great deal about wine.
Review
"Given the opportunity, anyone who enjoys wine will savor this book....This is no pedantic discourse, but, rather, intimate, appealing accounts of Asher's vineyard visits, including places that may not be well known to the average wine drinker as well as renowned wine-producing areas. Anecdotes often combine authoritative insights with outright enthusiasm for the simple pleasures even a modest wine can provide. There is much to be learned from Asher's expertise and even more to delight in among these spirited essays." Booklist
Review
"In the spirit of a careful cook, Gerald Asher knows his ingredients here the history, culture, place, and essential character of so many wines and he brings them together with love and passion for us to savor." Alice Waters
About the Author
Gerald Asher has been wine editor of Gourmet magazine for nearly thirty years. Born in the United Kingdom, he now divides his time between San Francisco and Paris.