I love wine.
Yet, when asked to explain it in detail, I don't really know what to say...
Recommended for people like that, the book "Wine no Uso" (written by Isao Miyajima) will be released on August 18, 2021.
Penned by journalist Isao Miyajima, this book is aimed at people who "like wine, but don't really understand it."
Let us introduce what kind of content it offers.
Wine is something to be enjoyed freely without overthinking
"Wine is something to be enjoyed freely without overthinking," says author Mr. Miyajima.
"Wine no Uso" is reportedly a book designed to help readers cast aside pointless "wine worship" and enjoy wine just as they please.
First and foremost, the book conveys the message to "celebrate the freedom to make mistakes."
Above all, the biggest downside brought about by wine etiquette is that it prevents people from enjoying wine wholeheartedly.
Messing up how to drink wine once or twice causes little harm, and it is written that making mistakes on your own is far more meaningful than blindly trusting what others say.
Are you going out to drink wine, or are you just using wine as an excuse to intoxicate yourself with the feeling of following proper etiquette?
For those who have ever questioned such things, there may be plenty to relate to here.
Stories from authentic Italy too?
Author Mr. Miyajima spends one-third of the year in Italy, writing about wine and food in both Italy and Japan.
In 2014, he was awarded the "Order of the Star of Italy" Commendatore (Commendatore dell’ Ordine della Stella d’Italia) by the President of Italy for his contributions to Italian culture, and possesses deep knowledge of Italian culture.
This book also describes how wine is viewed in Italy, where its position is said to be much like bancha (coarse green tea) in Japan.
In Italy, demands regarding the aroma, taste, and quality of wine itself are not overwhelmingly high, and most people reportedly feel that as long as it accompanies a meal and makes the food taste more delicious, that is quite enough.
With episodes like these drawn from the author's life in Italy illustrating how to engage with wine, readers can also learn how wine is enjoyed in its native setting.
It can be called a rich, insightful volume that allows you to discover the true essence of wine through how it is enjoyed in its authentic home.
Break free from the lies about wine!
Chapter titles in "Wine no Uso" include "Wine Requires No Sophistication" and "Finding Your Very Own Way to Enjoy Wine," consisting of sensational titles that set it apart from conventional wine books.
It seems poised to be a book that helps not only wine beginners and those who find wine intimidating, but also those who have been overextending themselves to pose as wine connoisseurs, to finally relax their shoulders.
If you are interested, why not pick up a copy?
Title: Wine no Uso
Author: Isao Miyajima
Publication Date: 2021/8/21
Format / Page Count: Shiroku, 256 pages
List Price: 1,760 yen (tax included)