These past few weeks my book of choice has drawn a few raised eyebrows and inquisitive looks on the daily commute. The Concise Guide to Wine and Blind Tasting stands apart in a crowd of Game of Thrones and latest 'Books of the Week' on the train. Within Neel and James' book, designed as a primer for those wanting to delve further into the world of wine, are facts and anecdotes essential to any wine enthusiast's knowledge. Trawling through condensed details on the world's wine regions can seem a daunting task, but the rhythm and style from two friends who have been integral to my own wine education since I met them in Oxford a few years ago makes this a clear, interesting read, fortified by the thirst that these two clearly have for the subject. I have shared more interesting bottles with these two than I can count, and what I have always been struck by when discussing either an unknown entity in the glass, or the gems and pitfalls of a certain region or style, is both their in-depth knowledge and their passion to learn more, twinned with the a pure enjoyment that pressed and fermented grapes and time can bring.
Neel and James
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This passion and knowledge translates well to the book, which has succinct sections on history, regions, and styles complemented by a thoughtful guide to blind tasting which I would highly recommend to anyone planning their own tastings with friends. The information-packed chapters are ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about wine, from novice to the experienced. Anyone either considering taking on, or in the middle of, a wine course such as the WSET should consider this essential reading. It will help those needing to brush up on the intricacies of Alsace or lost in the Loire, with accessible and easily-digestible facts on all the main regions. Personally I found the maps to be very useful, as I think a visual representation of a region and its sub-regions helps to understand the differences and similarities between certain wines. The section on blind tasting includes information on how to taste and get the most out of every bottle of wine, and includes a great guide to help set up your own evening with a few bottles and a few friends, highlighting what you will need to make sure everything goes smoothly. If you are new to blind tasting and want to explore a new avenue this could really spark some interest into a side of wine that I enjoy as much as any. There is a crib sheet that gives a brief description on what structure and style to expect from different regions and grapes, an invaluable resource to someone learning how to blind taste.
A typical blind tasting dinner with James at Neel's house
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Both Neel and James have a string of academic qualifications that prove their ability to excel in their field of choosing, armed with a doctorate each. However, they are not just academics turning to a book on wine on a whim. I was part of a trio with Neel that won an international wine and blind tasting competition in Champagne, one that he had also won the year before with James. James was also my captain in the Varsity blind tasting match the year I participated, and has won the individual top taster's award at the competition twice in the maximum three times he was allowed to compete. Jancis Robinson MW has also praised his tasting abilities here. Both have also competed in the fiendishly difficult Left Bank Bordeaux Cup. The pair are now running The Oxford Wine Academy, providing tastings and courses as an alternative way to learn about wine.
The concise guide in its hard back form
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This book is an ideal treat for the wine enthusiast and serves as a great guide for those wanting to expand their knowledge of wine. The pages of my copy are already well-thumbed as I look back for bites of knowledge on certain areas or want to brush up on my understanding of Italy's matrix of wine regions. I can certainly add my recommendation to the list of those already singing this book's praises.
I would like to thank Neel and James for providing me with a copy of the book which is now available to buy on Amazon either in hard cover or on Kindle
