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Why Is Wine Red? – The Illustrated Encyclopedic Book to Understand Wine
An illustrated journey into the heart of wine to finally understand what you are tasting: from vineyard to glass, from aromas to the rituals of service. Much more than a simple book about wine, Why Is Wine Red?® is an elegant and accessible mini-encyclopedia that clearly answers the questions every wine lover has asked… without always daring to voice them.
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The Wine Book That Answers All Your Questions
Wine fascinates. It sometimes impresses. It can even feel intimidating.
Created by experts David Cobbold and Sébastien Durand-Viel, this educational work unravels the mysteries of oenology with precision, elegance, and insight. Accessible to beginners as well as seasoned enthusiasts, this bilingual wine book (French / English) allows readers to deepen their understanding of wine and share their passion beyond borders.
A Wine Encyclopedia to Dip Into at Your Leisure
Organized into clear thematic sections, the book can be explored freely, according to your curiosity. You will instantly find answers to your questions — whether you are in the middle of a tasting, choosing a bottle, or simply looking to enrich your wine culture.
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Choosing Wine
- Why are some wines so expensive?
- Why is it sometimes difficult to choose a wine in a shop?
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Serving Wine
- Why do we toast before drinking champagne?
- Why is rosé mostly enjoyed in summer?
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The Color of Wine
- Why is wine red?
- Why is white wine sometimes made from red grapes?
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The Aroma of Wine
- Why doesn’t wine usually smell like grapes?
- Why do some wines have a woody aroma?
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The Taste of Wine
- Why are some wines described as “mineral”?
- Why do some wines cause headaches?
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In the Vineyard
- Why are roses planted at the end of certain vineyard rows?
- Why are vines pruned?
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Winemaking
- Why does grape juice turn into wine?
- Why isn’t table grape used to make wine?
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In the Cellar
- Why is wine aged?
- Why are bottles stored lying down rather than upright?
An Illustrated Book Between Knowledge and Art
Beautifully illustrated by Philippe Goron, this book combines scientific rigor with artistic sensibility. Each page makes learning vivid, visual, and memorable. It is not merely a book about oenology — it is a cultural object, designed to last and to be passed on.
The more you know about wine, the richer and more complete your tasting experience becomes.
Who Is This Book For?
- For those who want to truly understand what they are tasting
- For wine lovers wishing to deepen their knowledge
- For curious minds eager to choose wine more confidently and speak about it with ease
- For enthusiasts who enjoy learning as much as savoring
Accessible, structured, and illustrated, it accompanies readers at every level.
Expertise & Technical Details
Texts: David Cobbold & Sébastien Durand-Viel
Illustrations: Philippe Goron
English Translation: David Cobbold (bilingual edition)
Format: A compact wine encyclopedia to dip into at your leisure
Publisher: L’Atelier du Vin
