The Lost Vintage by Ann Mah, page-turning novel about a woman who returns to her family’s ancestral vineyard in Burgundy and unexpectedly uncovers a lost diary, an unknown relative, and a secret her family has been keeping since World War II. This novel pairs wonderfully with a bottle of white Burgundy like Domaine Bouchard Pere & Fils, Beaune du Chateau, Premier Cru 2018 ($42).
The Winemaker’s Wife by Kristin Harmel, 1940: In WWII France, Inès faces danger as her husband aids the Résistance. In 2019, Liv, reeling from loss, discovers a hidden family history tied to Maison Chauveau’s wartime secrets. Past and present intertwine, leading Liv on a journey of salvation to the historic champagne house’s caves. A tale of love, sacrifice, and resilience.Paired with a bottle of Grand Cru Chamapagne- Pierre Boever Champagne, Grand Cru, Brut Rose ($43).
The Emperor of Wine: The Rise of Robert M. Parker, Jr., and the Reign of American Taste by Elin McCoy. To his legions of fans, Parker is a cross between Julia Child and Ralph Nader –– part enthusiastic sensualist and part consumer crusader. To his many enemies, he is a self–appointed wine judge bent on reducing the meaning of wine to a two–digit number. The man who ruled the world of wine has been the focus of both adulation and hatred. Make up your mind while drinking a classic Napa Cabernet like the Stout Family Wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($103).
Wine and War: The French, the Nazis, and the Battle for France’s Greatest Treasure by Don Kladstrup and Petie Kladstrup. In 1940, France fell to the Nazis and almost immediately the German army began a campaign of pillaging one of the assets the French hold most dear: their wine. Like others in the French Resistance, winemakers mobilized to oppose their occupiers, but the tale of their extraordinary efforts has remained largely unknown–until now. One of my favorite books ever is paired with Le Petit Haut Lafitte, Pessac-Leognan ($52).
Waiter Rant: Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by Steve Dublanica will make you laugh out loud. According to Dublanica, eighty percent of customers are nice people just looking for something to eat. The remaining twenty percent, however, are socially maladjusted psychopaths. Sip on the Foggy Bottom Pinot Noir, Easkscoot Cellars from the Russian River Valley ($27) as you laugh at this waiter’s view of humanity.
Widow Cliquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It by Tilar J. Mazze. Mazzeo brings to life—for the first time—the fascinating woman behind the iconic yellow label: Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who, after her husband’s death, defied convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she became one of the world’s first great businesswomen and one of the richest women of her time. Paired with the obvious- a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Champagne! ($54)
A Man and His Mountain by Daniel James Brown. The story of self-made billionaire Jess Jackson, who put Chardonnay on America’s tables as he built the Kendall-Jackson wine empire from a few mountainous acres of grapes, and raced the Horse of the Year three years in a row, is a remarkable tale of romance, risk, and reinvention — perhaps the greatest second act in the history of American business. Paired with Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($72).
In Vino Duplicitas: The Rise and Fall of a Wine Forger Extraordinaire by Peter Hellman. After bursting onto the scene in 2002, Kurniawan quickly became the leading purveyor of rare wines to the American elite. But in April 2008, his lots of Domaine Ponsot Clos Saint-Denis red burgundy—dating as far back as 1945—were abruptly pulled from auction. The problem? The winemaker was certain that this particular burgundy was first produced only in 1982. Paired with an authentic bottle of Chateau Abelyce, Saint Emilion Grand Cru 2015 ($28).
Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World by Vanessa Price. This fun collection of pairings will have you scratching your head saying ‘really?’ but every oddball pairing I have had has been exceptional. Include a sample pairing from the book a small bottle of El Maestro Sierra Oloroso NV ($24) and a pack of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.
But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World’s Favorite Wine By David White showcases all the producers of Champagne in detail. Pair with a bottle of Taittinger ‘Prestige’ Rose, Brut, NV ($96) for the perfect friend for the friend who loves sparkling wine.
