A precise and comprehensive description of the problems encountered at times by all winemakers and wine judges, Wine Faults covers the differences between flaws and faults, how flavors develop, how taste works, and how it differs from smell in the evaluation of wine. From there it tackles the increasing problems resulting from high alcohol wines as well as volatile acidity found in high pH wines common in some warm grape-growing regions. It also deals with the vegetal qualities of cool viticultural regions usually caused by methoxypyrazines and the occasional lady beetle. Every microbial infection found in today's wineries is fully described and arrayed in full color slides. Dense as the material may seem, the book is written in a manner that the layperson, or even the quality control professional who forgot that he ever took organic chemistry, can understand.
2022 Winner of the OIV Award in the Oenology category An essential guide to the faults and flaws that can affect wine Written by the award-winning wine expert, Keith Grainger, this book provides a detailed examination and explanation of the causes and impact of the faults, flaws and taints that may affect wine. Each fault is discussed using the following criteria: what it is; how it can be detected by sensory or laboratory analysis; what the cause is; how it might be prevented; whether an affected wine is treatable, and if so, how; and the science applicable to the fault. The incidences of faulty wines reaching the consumer are greater than would be regarded as acceptable in most other industries. It is claimed that occurrences are less common today than in recent recorded history, and it is true that the frequency of some faults and taints being encountered in bottle has declined in the last decade or two. However, incidences of certain faults and taints have increased, and issues that were once unheard of now affect many wines offered for sale. These include ‘reduced’ aromas, premature oxidation, atypical ageing and, very much on the rise, smoke taint. This book will prove invaluable to winemakers, wine technologists and quality control professionals. Wine critics, writers, educators and sommeliers will also find the topics highly relevant. The wine-loving consumer, including wine collectors will also find the book a great resource and the basis for discussion at tastings with like-minded associates. Reviews I read this book avidly from cover to cover. I’ll dip into it for future reference as required, which is how many will employ it. Meanwhile, I learned a great deal, and it now influences how I think about wine evaluation. I commend this excellent new book to you. Consider it an investment. Paul Howard, Wine Alchemy
An essential primer for wine lovers features 200 full-color photographs illustrating the proper way to handle wine, covering everything from the pulling the cork to storing the bottle.
A master mixologist and author of Drinkology offers a comprehensive guide to the world of wine, explaining how wine is made and the mysteries of wine tasting, as well as discussing the different types of wine and how to tell them apart.
An essential guide to the faults and flaws that can affect wine Written by the award-winning wine expert, Keith Grainger, this book provides a detailed examination and explanation of the causes and impact of the faults, flaws and taints that may affect wine. Each fault is discussed using the following criteria: what it is; how it can be detected by sensory or laboratory analysis; what the cause is; how it might be prevented; whether an affected wine is treatable, and if so, how; and the science applicable to the fault. The incidences of faulty wines reaching the consumer are greater than would be regarded as acceptable in most other industries. It is claimed that occurrences are less common today than in recent recorded history, and it is true that the frequency of some faults and taints being encountered in bottle has declined in the last decade or two. However, incidences of certain faults and taints have increased, and issues that were once unheard of now affect many wines offered for sale. These include ‘reduced’ aromas, premature oxidation, atypical ageing and, very much on the rise, smoke taint. This book will prove invaluable to winemakers, wine technologists and quality control professionals. Wine critics, writers, educators and sommeliers will also find the topics highly relevant. The wine-loving consumer, including wine collectors will also find the book a great resource and the basis for discussion at tastings with like-minded associates. Reviews I read this book avidly from cover to cover. I’ll dip into it for future reference as required, which is how many will employ it. Meanwhile, I learned a great deal, and it now influences how I think about wine evaluation. I commend this excellent new book to you. Consider it an investment. Paul Howard, Wine Alchemy
The different flavours we detect in wine is one of the greatest pleasures in drinking wine. This unique study by an award-winning author examines where these flavours come from and what makes them the way they are. Simply put, this book is about the taste of wine, about knowing which flavours a good wine ought and ought not to have, and being able to assess a wine for the presence and absence of those flavours.
Perfect for any wine enthusiast, a fashionable guide, filled with stunning photographs and illustrations, covers every aspect of wine, from tasting to buying, and features a unique "If you like this...try this" section that demystifies the often confusing process of selecting wine.
