Boozy Book Review: How to Drink Australian
How to Drink Australian
In a time when Australian wine is experiencing an unprecedented era of achievement, the modern wine book How to Drink Australian (September 12, 2023, Murdoch Books) is a beacon the industry has been waiting for. The enthusiasm for Australian wine is palpable throughout the pages, making it an engaging read for both those familiar with the subject and those approaching it for the first time.
Understanding Australian Wine
Jonathan Ross and Jane Lopes
As authors Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross put it, “The scholarship on Australian wine hasn’t always matched the output. Think of the dozens (hundreds?) of books that exist on France’s Burgundy alone, a region that could fit inside many of Australia’s individual appellations. Australia hasn’t been afforded the same attention in the world of wine, especially by those living outside its borders.” Well, that is until now.
How to Drink Australian is your ultimate guide to Aussie wine—it’s not just a deep dive into the country’s somewhat misunderstood wine scene but also a game-changer in the wine book world. Lopes and Ross assemble a team of global experts to create an indispensable guide that goes beyond the ordinary, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the exciting landscape of Australian wine, making this guide a must-have for anyone curious about what makes Australian wine so darn special. It’s not your average wine book; it’s the key to unlocking the vibrant and diverse world of Australian wine in a way that’s easy to get into.
Australia’s wine regions Analyzed
One of the book’s major strengths lies in its meticulous analysis of every significant wine region in Australia, which spans 33 degrees of latitude, skirting the bottom half of Australia and its coast. “Anything above is too hot to grow,” note Lopes and Ross.
The authors offer a deep dive into the diverse terroirs, highlighting the unique characteristics that make each region distinct. The detailed original maps enhance the reader’s visual appreciation, providing a geographical context that enriches the overall learning experience. However, the book’s exhaustive nature might pose a challenge for beginners, potentially overwhelming those who are just starting to explore the world of wine. The detailed analyses and extensive information may be more intricate than some readers prefer.
The bespoke illustrations and artwork scattered throughout the book serve as valuable aids for comprehension, making complex concepts more accessible to some readers. The fold- out grape table is a thoughtful touch, simplifying the often daunting task of navigating the multitude of grape varieties found in Australian wines.
Map of Hunter Valley inside How to Drink Australian
The recommendations
The book also dives into individual wine recommendations and hundreds of producer profiles, offering a curated selection that caters to both novices and seasoned enthusiasts. However, readers looking for detailed wine critique and tasting notes might find this aspect lacking. Rather, it’s a tool to base your Australian wine bucket list off. It’s up to you to critique them based on first-hand experience.
With that said, what really sets How to Drink Australian apart is its acknowledgment of Australia’s rich cultural history. The authors demonstrate a reverence for Australia’s first custodians, weaving their influence into the narrative. This cultural sensitivity adds depth to the exploration of Australian wine, connecting it to the land and the people who have shaped it.
Whether you’re a budding oenophile or just curious about Australian wine, this book is an indispensable resource that celebrates the exciting and dynamic world of Australian wine — one you don’t get to see on the shelves often.
Exploring Victoria wineries