DON'T JUST DRINK IT, READ IT.

DON'T JUST DRINK IT, READ IT.

SIP

Welcome To SIP, our new regular column devoted to every delicious thing we can sip; wines, cocktails and non alcoholic delights.

Written by our journalist Maroulla Paul who is a self confessed nerd when it comes to wines and spirits. Maroulla has WSET Wines and Spirits Level 3, WSET Sake Level 1 and Capstone Level 1 (so far!)

Most people have a love of wine. And most lawyers have a thirst for knowledge. Combining the two is the perfect way to enhance the appreciation and joy of both.

If you haven’t browsed through the incredible collection of books from Academie Du Vin Library, you are deeply missing out. They are a stunning collection of beautifully written books that talk about different regions, grapes, techniques and so many other fascinating aspects that make sipping a glass of wine just so much more enjoyable and special.

The world of wine is a deep and complex one; the more you delve into it, the more fascinating it becomes. Whether your passion is history, geography, geology, science, nature, climateall of these subjects (and way more) are there for you in each bottle of wine. And in each and every book from Academie du Vin Library.

Here are my latest favourites and recommendations.

RIOJA by Finstan Kerr is the latest addition to the Smart Traveller’s Wine Guides. It takes you on a journey through this region of Spain in great depth and with huge colour informing you not

only about the wines, the vineyards and the winemaking but also the history of the region, the best villages to visit, where to stay and eatincluding inside info on where the winemakers choose to stay themselves. This guide is an essential for anyone visiting the area. Other Smart Traveller’s Wine Guides include Bordeaux which is just invaluable to get the most out of this very renowned wine region. More being released soon.

BEHIND THE GLASS by Gus Zhu is all about the art and science of wine tasting. Self-described as “the chemical and sensory terroir of wine tasting” it shows how experiencing wine is not just about our sense of taste but also our sight and our sense of smell. It teaches you to view wine in a much more complete way - which again will really add to your enjoyment of it, not to mention impress your friends!

Take caution when you read WINE CONFIDENT by Keli A White because it is sure to allure you down the rabbit hole of the wine world. It is a wonderfully written book that is full of wisdom and tips and guaranteed to fuel your thirst for more knowledge. It will most definitely help you make better, more informed and more adventurous wine choices.

Who doesn’t love Tuscany? And ON TUSCANY compiled by Susan Keevil will guide you through the region and its wide variety of grapes and exquisite wines with such passion that you will feel as though you have been transported to a hilltop village in Italy. Every piece tells a story; indeed as every glass of wine does.

To order these books or to look through the vast collection on offer, visit https:// academieduvinlibrary.com/ ■