The Everyday Guide to Wine

The Everyday Guide to Wine is an engaging educational television series from 2010 by the Great Courses. The series, hosted by Master of Wine Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan, guides viewers through the exciting, complex and nuanced world of wine. It aims to reach out to every wine enthusiast, from beginners still lost at the mention of terms like 'terroir' and 'tannin', to seasoned wine connoisseurs eager to further broaden their understanding and appreciation for this beloved beverage.

The series spans over twenty-four 30-minute episodes and covers a vast array of topics concerning wine. It aims to transform casual sippers into assured connoisseurs by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to explore different types of wines, judge their taste profiles objectively, pair them correctly with various dishes and occasions, and even effectively navigate a wine list when dining out.

Each episode focuses on specific facets of wine. You will dive into its intriguing history, explore its vast geography, and familiarize yourself with the complex process that transforms simple grape juice into a symphony of flavors savored around the world. The audience has the opportunity to learn about the different types of grapes used to make wine, their characteristics, how they influence the final product, and the varietal wines they produce.

From the old world to the new, Jennifer Simonetti-Bryan guides viewers through various geographical wine regions including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Australia, and the United States among others, offering insight into their unique viticultural practices, the types of wine they produce, and why these wines possess their distinctive features.

Understanding the language of wine is an essential part of appreciating it. The Everyday Guide to Wine helps you interpret and use this language with a comprehensive breakdown of wine-related adjectives, what they mean, and how they apply to different wine styles. Simonetti-Bryan employs her expertise to provide the audience with critical sensory skills to gauge wine characteristics including sweetness, acidity, tannin, body, flavor intensity and persistency.

Furthermore, she delves into the science behind wine, touching on topics like the effects of temperature, aging, decanting, the glass used, and the appropriate techniques for tasting it. In addition, the audience will learn about the optimum conditions for storing wine, recognizing flawed wines, and other factors that influence a wine's final taste profile significantly.

One of the standout features of this series is its practical approach to educating the viewers. In several episodes, Jennifer organizes wine tastings that demonstrate key concepts discussed, employing visual aids and comprehensive tasting notes to amplify the learning experience. She also sheds light on effective food and wine pairing strategies, explaining the principles behind classic combinations and how you can create your own winning pairings at home.

Perhaps one of the most daunting aspects of wine is selecting the perfect bottle from a seemingly endless range of choices. The Everyday Guide to Wine deciphers restaurant wine lists, examines wine labels, demystifies wine ratings, and provides valuable tips for selecting wines at various price points, thereby equipping the viewer with the necessary confidence when purchasing wine.

The Everyday Guide to Wine's detailed and well-structured content aims at enhancing not just theoretical understanding, but also practical appreciation and enjoyment of wine. However, its philosophy isn’t centered on fostering snobbish or pretentious attitudes, but rather encourages a shared, inclusive enjoyment of wine. In the end, the series underscores that the best wine is not the most expensive or prestigious one, but the one that brings the most pleasure to you.

In conclusion, The Everyday Guide to Wine is more than a television series. It's a comprehensive wine education that will fundamentally transform your approach to selecting, tasting, and appreciating wine. Whether you're a novice hoping to navigate the wine aisle with confidence, or a seasoned oenophile seeking to refine your understanding, this fascinating journey offers depth, illumination, and pleasure to all who partake. Interactive, engrossing, and infused with an irrepressible passion for wine, The Everyday Guide to Wine invites viewers to embark on an intrepid voyage into the world of wine, where every bottle tells a story and every sip is a celebration.