WINE FOR WOMEN: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine

Some readers, men in particular, will bridle at the title of this introductory guide by first-time author Sbrocco. What follows, however, is an informed yet accessible approach that places wine back in its traditional place at the center of the family dinner table and at the heart of everyday celebrations. Writing for women who have to rush home from demanding jobs to prepare the family meal, Sbrocco caps off chapters on different grapes and all styles of wine with a section called "Design-a-Dinner" that offers easy-to-prepare recipes and pantry staples matched to wines—creamed spinach and grilled steak or pasta with gorgonzola walnut sauce for Cabernet Sauvignon, for example. Basing her choice to speak specifically to women on industry research that confirms that women buy more wine than men (including high-end bottles), Sbrocco compares different grape varieties and styles to wardrobe essentials—Chardonnay is basic black while Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp white shirt, and peppery, intense Syrah is that "must-have" red accessory. A gimmick? No doubt about it, but the analogy works very well. Anyone who has ever tasted a good Pinot Noir knows that it truly is like "seductive satin." Come to think of it, big, powerful, indigenous American Zinfandel really does have the swaggering sex appeal of black leather pants. Sbrocco includes knowledgeable yet democratic shopping guides in every price range and peppers her narrative with myriad facts about wine, tips for entertaining and trips to wine country, as well as colorful descriptions of her travels to great wine-growing regions around the world. In the end, this is a breezy yet memorable and everyday practical resource that should appeal to all women with an interest in wine. (Oct.)