By David Ellis from vintnews.
We’ve had plenty of books come across our desk in the three decades or so we’ve been writing this column, but none quite like a 200-odd pager that came in this month, and simply titled Tipsy.
For while the majority of the others have been pretty-much deeply thought out single-subject works covering wine, or whisky, beer or aperitifs, and how they are made or how best they should be served, Tipsy is a wonderfully expansive look at all this, and at the one time is informative, amusing, and simply an enjoyable read.
It was penned by Clare Burder who has been in the wine business in one way or another since she was just 15, and who now runs appreciation courses covering wine, beer, whisky, gin and sake – while also heading-up her boutique, family-owned Eminence Wines in Victoria’s King Valley.
Tipsy takes readers through everything from how to master a daunting 40-page wine list, understand “trade talk,” this-goes-with-that cheeses and drinks, to how not only are wines made, but also beers, whiskies, gins and sakes. It also covers storage and cellaring, getting the most enjoyment from rums, tequilas, ciders and vermouths, understanding the difference between a single malt whisky and a blend… even selecting the best glasses for quaffing a good beer, and tips on how to pour like a pro.
We think it a real must-have, and great value at $24.99 from all good book stores.
One to note: 2013 was an excellent vintage in Coonawarra, and on Lindeman’s 12ha St George Vineyard the reds ripened slowly and fully to give winemaker Brett Sharpe wonderful fruit of excellent colour density, concentration of flavour and ripe tannin structure for the limited release 2013 St George Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.
Already brimming with generous and rich blackcurrant flavour and savoury tannins, at $70 this is a great wine now but will simply get better over the coming five, ten or even more years. Put it on the table with a good steak, or simply enjoy it on its own.
