Wine Book Review #1

FRENCH WOMEN FOR ALL SEASONS, Mireille Guiliano

One of the joys of learning about wine is reading about it--for pleasure. We subscribed to a couple wine magazines, and while we gleaned some useful information from these publications, we didn't renew our subscriptions, preferring to learn by recommendation and tasting. However, in our library we have a few books dedicated to wine, and we thought we'd discuss some of these here.

(In today's case, this is only my opinion [Kath]; Daryl wasn't keen on reading what I would describe as a women's lifestyle manual.)

In 2005, Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat became a bestseller, and I picked up a library copy, wondering what the fuss was all about. Turned out it was a little gem of a book. Guiliano, President and CEO of Clicquot, Inc., advocates adopting a traditional French woman's lifestyle to avoid obesity. Eating simply and moderately, choosing fresh, seasonal foods, incorporating simple, natural exercise into one's daily routine (she doesn't get our obsession with fancy gyms when a simple stroll will do wonders for the body and mind)--these are some of the secrets that help keep French women among the slimmest in the West.

French Women for All Seasons elaborates many of her previous suggestions and includes more tips and secrets on how to be a French woman--anywhere, in any season. She discusses ways to eat seasonally, recommending buying local produce only when it's in season. Ever wonder how to wear a scarf? Guiliano gives pointers throughout on how to use this versatile accessory. There are plenty of recipes, ranging from simple ("Leek Soup") to complicated. There are more tips on entertaining and exercise--all keeping with the seasonal theme of this book.

And wine? Well, there is an entire chapter devoted to wine and food pairings. And you couldn't ask for a better advisor, given her life-long involvement in the world of wine (both her books are also part-memoir). She simply describes well-known varietals and how to effectively taste each and partner with food. After mastering the basics, she encourages her readers to seek lesser-known wines. And always, she recommends Champagne as the perfect wine (true Champagne, not sparkling wines from other regions). She considers wine an everyday food, something to be enjoyed in moderation and for good health.

It doesn't get any better than that!