The Best Wine Books of 2008

Following yesterday's mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinner recipes from BTP, I thought I'd chime in with my top five wine titles of 2008.  Admittedly, this is not an ideal pairing, as stacking books next to the Roasted Turkey Roulade will most likely confuse your guests, but these are still great reads for any wine aficionado.

1) Passion on the Vine by Sergio Esposito.  A wine merchant reflects on his life-long love affair with Italian wines and culture in this beautiful memoir.  It is an impossible book to read in one sitting, as each chapter tempts you with lavish descriptions of traditional Italian cooking and incredible wines.  I think I put on an enjoyable five pounds before finishing it.

2) The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo.  Nothing says celebration like champagne, and Mazzeo provides an engaging portrait of the woman who helped make "the wine of civilization" accessible to the masses.

3) Parker's Wine Buyer's Guide, 7th Edition by Robert Parker.  Even if you don't agree with the concept of rating wines, there are few experts who can rival the knowledge of Parker.   His essays on globalization and organic wines shouldn't be missed.

4) He Said Beer, She Said Wine by Marnie Old and Sam Calagione.  An ages-old rivalry is examined as brewer Sam Calagione and sommelier Marnie Old passionately debate the merits of two of humankind's most enjoyable libations.

5) World Atlas of Wine by Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson.  Ben Gilberti of The Washington Post calls this stunning collection “the best collaboration of two Brits since Lennon and McCartney,” but I think Amazon customer Keith E. Webb has the most appropriate description:  “The World According to Wine."

Cheers!

--Dave