Full Description
A tasteful guide for California wine novices and connoisseurs alike California accounts for over 90 percent of the total U.S. wine production--about two of every three bottles sold. California Wine For Dummies presents the latest information on California wines and the regions where they are produced, such as Sonoma, Napa, and Monterey. The book gives readers the knowledge they need to appreciate California wines, select a good bottle at a store or restaurant, find bargains, and pair wines with food. It also explains why some regions are renowned for wines made from specific grape varietals, and offers tips on how to get the most out of winery visits. Ed McCarthy, CWE (Baldwin, NY), is a regular contributor to Wine Enthusiast and The Wine Journal. Mary Ewing-Mulligan, MW (Baldwin, NY), is President of the International Wine Center in New York. Together, they are the authors of many For Dummies wine guides, including the perennial bestseller Wine For Dummies (978-0-470-04579-4), now in its fourth edition.
Contents
Introduction 1 Part I: The Big Picture of California Wine 9 Chapter 1: Introducing California Wines 11 Chapter 2: What's in the Bottle 25 Chapter 3: Decoding the Label 41 Chapter 4: California's Major Wine Regions 57 Part II: The Headliners 85 Chapter 5: Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc 87 Chapter 6: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Their Blends 111 Chapter 7: Pinot Noir 135 Chapter 8: Zinfandel 159 Part III: More Reds, Whites, Pinks, and Bubblies 171 Chapter 9: Pinot Grigio, Rhone-Style Whites, and Other California Whites 173 Chapter 10: Syrah, Petite Sirah, Other Varietal Reds, and Red Blends 185 Chapter 11: Bubbly, Rose, and Dessert Wines 207 Part IV: Enjoying California Wines 217 Chapter 12: Pairing and Sharing California Wines 219 Chapter 13: Making a Winery Pilgrimage 231 Part V: The Part of Tens 241 Chapter 14: Answers to Ten Common Questions about California Wine 243 Chapter 15: Ten Top Travel Destinations and Attractions 249 Index 257
