Sitting by the crackling fire, glass of Tawny in hand, opening the crisp spine of a new book, undisturbed by the bustle of the festivities, the smile broadening as you delve into the crafted words of an alluring subject.
The late Steven Spurrier set up a publishing venture - Académie du Vin Library (AdVL) - that had the specific aim to achieve what he has most enjoyed and learnt from wine writing: ‘The books that taught me about wine were about places and people. It’s the history and stories about a wine that bring it to life and make it worth talking about’.
Since the launch of this venture around five years ago, the publishing house has created some exemplary works from a broad array of writers and journalists. Two collections are truly great reads for anyone interested in wine and the stories of the people, land and wineries that provide us all with such pleasure as we chat, sip, and natter about the wonderful brews that arrive from all over the world.
1 - ‘On’ Books
AdVL have created a rather brilliant range of works under their On’ umbrella. This small group is a series of books that bring a region to life through a series of short essays, each a few thousand words, covering a very wide array of topics about individuals within those regions.
Wordsmithery at its best, with expert and superbly crafted editing, each snippet brings alive aspects of the trade, the people, an individual vintage, or just a good tale that portrays an interesting insight into this unique landscape.
These are not text books covering the land, climate, grape varieties, etc., but evaluate a broader, more interesting aspect of the industry. As one reviewer commented, ‘these books will enchant, entertain, and educate you or the wine lover in your life’.
There are currently five titles in this collection covering Burgundy, Bordeaux, Tuscany, California and Champagne. Each contains around 40 essays of a few thousand words. Even for those entrenched in the trade for many years, there is always a new angle to discover or a reminder of an item long forgotten. You find yourself re-reading chapters just to make sure you have assembled all the information.
These books can be bought individually, but the Anthology Collection of all five titles would make an excellent present in its own slipcase.
£150.00 - AdVL
They are all available on Amazon:
On Burgundy - £27.93
On Bordeaux - £28.36
On Tuscany - £26.95
On California - £23.43
On Champagne - £23.43
2 - Life in the Wine Trade
Also, amongst the portfolio of AdVL books are a collection of books from people who have had a fascinating existence working within the wine industry. The essence of a life well lived abound from these pages and collectively provide a narrative of how the world of wine has evolved over the last fifty or more years. All well written with excellent editorial, they are very easy and enjoyable reads - available from AdVL’s web site.
Hugh Johnson - The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson
Has Hugh had the most charmed life of anyone I know in the Wine Trade? Unquestionably! As The Independent commented on this book, ‘Part memoir, part travel writing, and deeply imbued with the love of the vine’. His words flow effortlessly and his style infectious. Anecdotes, astute perceptions, recollections, and reflections all tied together in a style that demonstrates an impeccable knowledge and understanding.
Ben Howkins - Adventures in the Wine Trade
A 60-year career within wine has enabled Ben to cover a significant amount of ground. From starting life in the brewing industry, then acquiring a scholarship from the Vintners to study in France, to working for what is today Diageo at a very senior level, to an office in Oporto, a lifelong love affair with Sherry, and advisor to the Rothschild dynasty, he really has covered it all. He has written books on Port - ‘Rich, Rare & Red - and Sherry - simply titled Sherry - to add to his accomplishments - both available from Amazon.
Steven Spurrier - A Life in Wine
I remember visiting Oregon with Steven a few years back - we were attending the International Pinot Noir Celebration, he as the main speaker, and I merely an observer of this famous annual event - that I had the opportunity to ask him in detail about his life in this delightful industry. He personified charm, and from his life in France where he orchestrated the ‘Judgement of Paris’ in 1976, to opening his own vineyard in Dorset, he had experienced every element.
Jean-Michel Cazes - From Bordeaux to the Stars
With his family owning the very highly regarded Château Lynch-Bages, this title covers the enormous changes that have taken place in Bordeaux over the last 50 years. A very personnel account of the industry as it has evolved from the 1970s, with a number of perceptive insights as to how and why these changes have reshaped the world’s most famous wine region.
Andrew Jefford - Drinking with the Valkyries
Considered to be one of the finest wine writers of his generation, this is effectively a collection of articles from various sources that again provide the wine enthusiast with a broad perspective of the industry over the last couple of decades. Very easy to pick up and enjoy one of the essays but then end up being drawn in for several.
The list above should hit the mark with all wine enthusiasts!