Ten Grapes to Know is a charming and informative introduction to wine. It’s an easy, enjoyable read from cover-to-cover, but also a handy, well-organized reference. People new to wine will find it a relaxing way to learn more about important grape varieties and to better understand their own wine preferences. But the book has quiet depth. Even wine experts will glean new facts and nuances.

About the Author

The author is Catherine Fallis, a respected Master Sommelier, wine educator, and writer. Catherine has a wealth of meaningful experience in both service and education. She has worked for the world-renowned wine director and educator, Kevin Zraly, at Windows on the World in Manhattan, and taught at other excellent wine schools. Catherine has sommed and developed wine lists for top restaurants, and writes on wine regularly a variety of publications.

The Ten Grapes to Know

Ten Grapes to Know enlightens its readers about Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel. Eight of those are among the top-ten, most-purchased, dry, varietal wines in the United States. Readers will discover each variety’s primary growing regions and how its profiles differ depending on where they are grown and the price point. Of course, there’s plenty of useful information about which foods to serve with the wines too. 

To help casual wine drinkers understand the vibe of a particular variety, without relying on “wine speak,” the wine styles are given human attributes: a “dating profile”and comparisons to well-known celebrities. But the wines are also accurately and thoroughly characterized using standard descriptors understood by wine professionals. So, the varietal guides are useful for anyone.

For each variety, there’s a plethora of specific wine recommendations for each important region. A pronunciation guide ensures wine lovers will be able ask for wines with confidence in restaurants and shops. Suggested wines are categorized by region and cost. 

For each variety, there’s also a nice feature called “Branch Out.” Those brief sections highlight one or two grape varieties you might enjoy, if you like the featured variety. Some of these recommendations point to very similar grapes, such as Verdejo for Sauvignon Blanc. Others are based on more general characteristics, such as weight and texture.

For Reading and Reference

The book is well-structured, whether you’re reading it straight through or using it for reference. Each variety has its own chapter. All chapters have essentially the same format and include the essential information, plus interesting sidebars. But there’s enough diversity in content and layout that each chapter feels fresh, not formulaic. The index is also well implemented—tuned for quick answers to likely questions.

Ten Grapes to Know is a standout among introductory wine books. It provides all the essential information on key grape varieties in a comfortable, readily understood way. There are enough anecdotes and supplementary particulars to make it enjoyable reading. But it’s also focused and concise. Details are easy to find in a moment. And the book is small enough, 192 pages, that it’s convenient to carry around or keep in your car’s door pocket.

Disclaimer:

When I first began studying wine seriously, Catherine was among my first instructors. Fortunately for me, and in part due to the excellent education she helped provide, I’ve gone on to become a wine educator myself and have often taught alongside her. I am also a contributor of reviews and occasional articles to her Planet Grape Wine Review website. Those contributions, and this review, are unpaid, so there’s no bias on my part in that respect.

Copyright Fred Swan 2019. All rights reserved.

About the author: Fred Swan is an Oakland-based writer, educator, and event sommelier. He’s written for GuildSomm.com, Daily.SevenFifty.com, The Tasting Panel, SOMM Journal, PlanetGrape.com, and more. Fred teaches a wide range of classes at the San Francisco Wine School. He’s founder/producer of Wine Writers’ Educational Tours, an annual, educational conference for professional wine writers. He also leads seminars, private wine tours, and conducts tastings, dinners, and events for wineries, companies, and private parties. Fred’s certifications include WSET Diploma, Certified Sommelier, California Wine Appellation Specialist, Certified Specialist of Wine, French Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Professional, Napa Valley Wine Educator, Northwest Wine Appellation Specialist, and Level 3 WSET Educator. He’s twice been awarded a fellowship by the Symposium for Professional Wine Writers.