cover image Oldman's Brave New World of Wine: Pleasure, Value, and Adventure Beyond Wine's Usual Suspects

Oldman's Brave New World of Wine: Pleasure, Value, and Adventure Beyond Wine's Usual Suspects

Mark Oldman, Norton, $19.95 paper (304p) ISBN 978-0-393-33484-5

Renowned oenologist, author of Oldman's Guide to Outsmarting Wine, and columnist for Everyday with Rachel Ray magazine, Oldman offers a no-fuss, easy-to-follow yet thorough and informative guide to less popular varietals. While he doesn't cover German Riesling, he does include Rieslings from Australia and from Austria as well as only "good" merlot. For many, this will be their first introduction to Spain's Albariño, Southern Italy's Aglianico, and France's Cahors, as well as numerous others. For each, Oldman provides a handy reference guide that includes the wine's price range, suggestions for similar wines, and label information. He also includes a valuable guide to food and flavor pairings. Throughout, Oldman shares commentary from an insider group he calls the Bravehearts, wine enthusiasts such as industry experts like Andrew Adam and Mannie Berk, noted chefs including Ming Tsai and Alain Ducasse, and famous individuals with a penchant for good wine like Jodie Foster and Hilary Swank. In addition to white, pink, red, bubbly, and dessert wines, he also explores big bottle, box, and aged wine. For those looking to expand their vinous palate, Oldman leads the way. (Sept.)