Review of Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France

[Vidhi Adhikari]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France" by Michael C. Higgins, PhD.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Exploring Wine Regions - Bordeaux France is a complete guide to the wineries and chateaux in the Bordeaux region of France that offer the best wine and dine experience. Written by Michael C. Higgins, the book covers the entire region of Bordeaux by stating the types of wine each area produces. Tourists and wine enthusiasts can prepare their itinerary using this handbook as it contains every piece of information that travelers need. This includes the timings of the chateaux and whether they require a reservation for visiting.

It is quite clear from the beginning that the author has been exceedingly diligent in his research for this book. There is nothing relating to oenology that you will not find in the guide. Moreover, every piece of information has been categorically broken down according to the specific region inside Bordeaux and the specific chateau in that region. Each winery that the author visited has been talked about for at least one whole page, discussing everything from the history of the chateau to the recent technological updates that the owners have made to the facility for higher quality wines. From chateaux run by small families to large wineries owned by royalty, each place that the author has visited is unique in its own way. Some places conduct workshops on wine-tasting while others have been graced by famous personalities like Queen Elizabeth. The author also shares snippets of the conversation he had with the owners of some of the chateaux. That said, the information relating to the terroir-based cultivation and classification of wines is complex. A lot has been covered in the explanation of the gradation of wines as per terroir and grape quality. However, information has been segmented in an organized manner for an easier read.

My favorite part about the book is the eye-opening facts that the author has mentioned. For example, I never knew that a wine’s mark of identification is not through the grape variety or the process used in its vinification, but the terroir on which the grapes are grown. Understanding why the rocky terroir of the left bank supports the cultivation of Sauvignon Blanc and why the clay-like soil of the right bank produces Merlot, allows the reader to better appreciate the wines they may have been drinking without knowing their story. Furthermore, the contribution of Napoléon to the wine industry in France is something most of us have been oblivious to. Apart from such interesting facts, the book taught me not to associate only Paris with France, but also recognize other cities like Bordeaux for their contribution to wine and tourism. The photographs displaying the chateaux and historical landmarks of the city are mesmerizing and build curiosity in the mind of the reader.

Although the author has been thorough in simplifying the knowledge of vinification, I do feel that readers need to have some basic understanding of wines to fully comprehend their classification and gradation. While the writer defines each new term introduced in the book, I still had to look up some words like ‘AOC’ for a clearer understanding of the term. Another thing that I’d like to point out is that the font size of the text seemed too small for the e-book version, making reading slightly difficult. Also, since this book serves as a travel guide, I believe it would have been better if all the images in the book had been accompanied with a caption. Lastly, there are some statements in the book that might not sit well with some readers. For instance, while describing Château Moulin-À-Vent, the author writes, “Also, unusual is the all-female team, which gives them a soft touch to all their wines.”

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I have deducted a star as I came across a few grammatical errors while reading. Other than that, I have no major complaints about the book or its editing. The writing style throughout the book is quite smooth and articulate. The author clearly knows what he’s talking about and is well versed in his knowledge of wines. This makes the reading experience much more wholesome.

I believe that all wine lovers and traveling enthusiasts should read this book. Those who are looking to enjoy the rich culture and history of Bordeaux should definitely pick it up. It is also a good option for those who want to read a genre different from the one they are accustomed to reading. However, I do recommend that readers opt for the paperback version of the book instead of the e-book to fully enjoy the pictures and for a more comfortable read.

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Exploring Wine Regions – Bordeaux France
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[Honest-reviewer]

I too have read and reviewed this book. It contains quite a lot of information. Great review!

[kandscreeley]

I'm not interested enough in the subject to read this book. It does sound like it has great information, though. Thanks.

[Diana Lowery]

WOW! I learned a great deal about wine just from your review. I can only imagine what information would be found in the book.

[NancyDrew12]

This book seems very interesting! I've always been fascinated by the process of wine making. I'm going to read this book soon. Thanks for a great review!

[Amiczy Heaven]

Your review is very informative and so is the book. I just don’t think I’ll enjoy reading this book, the topic isn’t for me.

[Vidhi Adhikari]

I too have read and reviewed this book. It contains quite a lot of information. Great review!

Hey thanks. I also feel that the book is quite informative.

[Vidhi Adhikari]

I'm not interested enough in the subject to read this book. It does sound like it has great information, though. Thanks.

Hey thanks, totally understand. This is not the topic for everyone. But it is quite enlightening.

[Vidhi Adhikari]

WOW! I learned a great deal about wine just from your review. I can only imagine what information would be found in the book.

Thank you so much for saying that. The book certainly contains a lot more, especially the history of winemaking.

[Vidhi Adhikari]

This book seems very interesting! I've always been fascinated by the process of wine making. I'm going to read this book soon. Thanks for a great review!

Hey thank you so much. Would love to know your thoughts on the book as well.

[Vidhi Adhikari]

Your review is very informative and so is the book. I just don’t think I’ll enjoy reading this book, the topic isn’t for me.

Hey thanks so much. Yes I get it. The topic is such that it appeals only to a particular niche.