Beverage Basics: Understanding and Appreciating Wine, Beer, and Spirits

An all–inclusive guide to wine, beer, and spirits

Beverage Basics offers essential information on the world′sfavorite alcoholic beverages, including their origins, modernproduction practices, and evaluating and enjoying each type ofbeverage. Its detailed coverage of the world of wine is organizedby varietal rather than region, giving you a simple way to find theinformation you need on whatever wine you′re interested in.Sections on beer and spirits provide a full understanding ofeverything from wheat beer to whiskey, while the culinarian willfind ample notes on pairing foods and beverages for amazing flavorcombinations. You′ll also learn about important legal and healthissues and discover how to select and purchase alcoholic beverages.Heavily illustrated with maps, sample beverage labels, andfull–color photographs, Beverage Basics is the perfect all–in–oneguide for food and beverage professionals, students, and wine,beer, and spirits lovers alike.

Preface.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Alcoholic Beverages.

Chapter 2: Alcohol and the Law.

Chapter 3: Healthy Drinking.

Chapter 4: Viticulture – Growing Grapes.

Chapter 5: Viniculture – Making Wine.

Chapter 6: Sensory Evaluation of Wine.

Chapter 7: Chardonnay.

Chapter 8: Sauvignon Blanc.

Chapter 9: Riesling.

Chapter 10: Other White Vinifera Grape Varieties.

Chapter 11: Cabernet Sauvignon.

Chapter 12: Merlot.

Chapter 13: Pinot Noir.

Chapter 14: Syrah.

Chapter 15: Other Red Vinifera Grape Varieties.

Chapter 16: Hybrid and Native American Varieties.

Chapter 17: Sparkling Wines.

Chapter 18: Dessert and Fortified Wines.

Chapter 19: Beer.

Chapter 20: Distilled Spirits.

Chapter 21: Purchasing Alcoholic Beverages.

Appendix 1: Old World Wine Regions.

Appendix 2: New World Wine Regions.

Appendix 3: TTB Requirements and Regulations for AlcoholicBeverage Labels.

Glossary.

Index.

Robert W. Small is former dean and emeritus professor of TheCollins College of Hospitality Management at California StatePolytechnic University, Pomona, where he still teaches courses onwine, beer, and spirits, as well as beverage marketing and food andbeverage management. He is also the Chairman of the Los AngelesInternational Wine & Spirits Competition, one of the largestand most prestigious wine competitions in the United States, and isa judge at several other international wine competitions.

Michelle Couturier has traveled internationally researching wineand photographing vineyards and wineries. She has 20 years ofexperience in marketing, public relations, and writing.

Michael Godfrey, Associate Dean of The Collins College ofHospitality Management at California State Polytechnic University,Pomona, has taught the college′s courses on beer for several yearsand has been a well–regarded home brewer for more than 25years.