Wine by the Book! A pairing of wine and words just for book groups!

In Wine by the Book!, Laurie Forster, The Wine Coach® and author of The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine, pairs words and wine just for book groups.  Laurie explores wines from regions found in book group picks – and she gives general tips on wine essentials, including how to order wine at dinner, simplify food pairings, handle awkward wine moments, and even bounce back the morning after!

For your next gathering, why not pair a book selection from Reading Group Choices with a wine choice from Wine by the Book!

"Over a bottle of wine many a friend is found" —Old Jewish proverb

Cheers!

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This month, Laurie suggests some wine parings for your discussion of
The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken
by Laura Schenone.

Great matches for the Pesto Recipes in the The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken are the white wines of Soave in the region of Veneto. Soave’s biggest challenge is its history.  In the 1970s, the Soave region was expanded to include some lesser vineyards and many unscrupulous producers churned out unremarkable wines.  This is the same reputation Chianti has overcome after the basket-bottomed days.  Soave, literally translated, means “smooth” and many of the best wines from this region have a rich smoothness with flavors of almond, citrus and a hint of white flowers.  Soave is named after the town from which it hails rather than the grapes, Garganega and Trebbiano, which are blended to create the wine.  For the finest examples, look for Soave Classico (wines from the best Soave vineyards) or Classico Superiore (aged at least eight months before release).

Prà Soave Classico 2007, Veneto, Italy

This handcrafted Soave (pronounced SWAH-veh) from Prà tastes nothing like the 1970s jug versions.  Citrus fruits dominate the palate of this rich white and finishes with food friendly crispness—great paired with pesto sauces, seafood, salads or just to get things started. 
Retail: $15 

Looking for a partner for one of the meat ravioli recipes in The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken? Consider Dolcetto, grown in the Piedmont region, in the northwest of Italy, Dolcetto literally translated means "sweet little one". Just like Jan Brady felt overshadowed by Marsha in the Brady Bunch, Dolcetto often gets little attention next to its Piedmont siblings Barolo and Barbaresco. While many of the reds from this region are tannic and powerful reds, Dolcetto instead has wonderful fruit with a soft velvety texture. It's easy drinking and pairs well with a light fare, pasta, and white meats.

Vietti Dolcetto Trevigne, Piedmont, Italy

Dolcetto (pronounced dohl-CHET-toh) is translated as "sweet little one."  Next to its Piedmont siblings Barolo and Barbaresco, Dolcetto often gets little attention.  This is a shame, because Dolcetto is full of berry flavors with a soft velvety texture, which pairs well with light fare, pasta, and white meats. 
Retail: $18

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About Laurie:

After a successful career in software sales, Laurie decided she was ready for a life change. Through working with a life coach, Laurie began to realize that her biggest passions—wine and people—could be parlayed into a new career. In 2002, she began her wine career in Manhattan where she studied with the American Sommelier Association to obtain her certificate in Viticulture and Vinification.  Concurrently, she trained as a life coach with Coach U, the leading global provider of coach training programs and is presently a member of the International Coaching Federation.

As The Wine Coach®, Laurie creates unique corporate team building events, group tasting seminars and culinary tours. She is dedicated to demystifying wine—one glass at a time, helping build successful teams as well as ensuring that everyone has an inspiring time at her events. She’s a sparkling presenter, highly skilled at engaging every wine lover—from beginners to wine enthusiasts.

Laurie is a regular columnist in several magazines, a sought after speaker and guest expert on radio stations across the country. Her weekly radio show “Something to Wine About®” can be heard on WCEI 96.7 FM and WBAL 1090AM or on demand. Laurie is also serving as national spokesperson for the “Pour on The Joy” campaign sponsored by Lindemans® Wines where she is helping people increase their happiness by making the wine-joy connection. Laurie’s first book The Sipping Point: A Crash Course in Wine, reflects her fresh perspective on wine education and has already received rave reviews.