“Unquenchable” a must-read for bargain-hunting wine lovers

Thanks to everyone who responded to my request to share YOUR requests on topics for future posts. Several categories came through in your want list, including a post about how to make your writing shine when you’re writing about dry topics (stay tuned to the next post for a guest post by Margaret Anne Fehr that will enlighten you), something on humour writing (we’ll have another guest post on that topic in the near future), and the inclusion of some book reviews.

I read and write non-fiction, so am happy to indulge that category of book reviews with a brand new, hot-off-the-presses offering from wine writer, Natalie MacLean who resides near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As someone who loves wine as much as I love chocolate, I’m happy to offer my thoughts on Natalie’s book and welcome yours.

Unquenchable is a terrific book for anyone who loves wine and is looking to learn about global wine producing regions that are producing very fine wines in the $15-$30 per bottle price range.  There are chapters on Germany, (Provence) France, (Sicily) Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Australia, (Niagara) Canada, and South Africa.

Right now, my wine of choice is a 2005 Bomvu Red simply called, “Africa” and produced by Waterhof Vineyards in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa. I see by their website that they have accommodations on site, so you can bet that I will make my way there one day. I wonder if Natalie’s tried this delectable full-bodied red? (It’s not yet listed in the extensive list of wines she has reviewed.)

But back to the book. I really love Natalie’s sense of humour, which shows up right on the first page of the book, and her unpretentious, first-person style of writing. Having grown up in modest circumstances in various Nova Scotian communities, she brings a refreshing down-to-earth sense of style to wine writing, happily sharing her opinions with us as she would a friend. And she’s obviously good at what she does, as I have it on good authority that she receives more than 200 e-mails a day from readers who want to “talk wine.”

A terrific storyteller, Natalie introduces us to some real characters of the wine world, including Wolf Blass — the man who helped put Australia on the map of adventurous wine drinkers. She’s promised to share a complete photo album with us online for the book as she’s done for her previous book, Red, White & Drunk All Over. It’s not uploaded yet, but I’m sure it will be once the cross-country launch events are completed.

Unquenchable is the kind of book I like to read. It introduces you to the people behind the labels, gives you ideas on where you might travel to to have a truly colourful wine experience, and helps you find the best favourably-priced wines you can possibly afford. A highly recommended read for people who like to travel and who love wine. (Yes, I’m definitely in that category!)

Unfortunately, Winnipeggers will have to wait awhile longer to raise a glass with Natalie, as the November 15th event at McNally Robinson Booksellers has been postponed. Check this link for other scheduled events on Natalie’s cross-country tour.

You can get directly in touch with Natalie MacLean, learn of future events, and tap into a fountain of information via her website.