But First, Champagne: A Modern Guide to the World's Favorite Wine

Many (older) books on Champagne or the Champagne region have a bias on the Grandes Marques.This book benefits from its 2016 publication date covering a major trend: Grower champagne and, coupled with that, a trend towards more natural wines (biodynamic wineries, less additives used, especially less sulphur etc.. Note that for example helicopter spraying has only been forbidden in Champagne for a few years).The only downside? Not too many details in some chapters. This book is more of a shorter introductory to mid-level discussion on the subject.I guess some readers specifically buying a book about Champagne (and not, say, Sparkling Wine in general) probably would like more details.The only other drawback: Some smaller innovative houses and producers (such as relative newcomer Bruno Paillard who is responsible for many label information innovations since the early 1980s) are missing. Maybe a more updated list is coming in an updated edition?4.5 stars would be my verdict for this book.PS: I can also recommend Tyson Stelzer's annual guide on Champagne (also available at Amazon) or Peter Liem's membership website covering the region and wines as two add-ons to this book, especially for readers interested in more details.

Anyone looking for a thorough but accessible book on Champagne -- the wine, the region, the history and more -- should take a serious interest in this book. White's writing is clear and not marked with the kind of superfluous or self-aggrandizing flourishes that many food and wine writers often deploy to convey expertise; he simply lets his own knowledge speak (plainly) for itself. He also does an admirable job as a kind of wine journalist, speaking to the actual current state of Champagne and featuring the full gamut of producers, both big and small, and thus covering the wines and region in a more authentic / genuine way. Far too often, books like this one either skip the (incredibly important) little guys or just focus on what's trendy (less of an issue overall, I suppose, but still not good for a general resource). "But First, Champagne" gives you both -- and beautiful photography to match -- and for that, it should be commended highly.

Whether you are just getting into champagne or you want a deep dive into some of the best producers in the world, this is the book for you. David White nails it with his vivid telling of the history of the region and the methods by which champagne made while John Trinidad's pictures transport you to France. Candidly I learned more about "tasting stars" from his book than any wine class I have taken.As a side note my wife is a champagne enthusiast and I got it for her as a "date night" gift. Needless to say she loves it (although I've borrowed it quite a bit). Unfortunately for my pocket book we are now ordering so much more Pol Roger, Pierre Peters and Egly-Ouriet as a result. A small price to pay for happiness.

This book was a really interesting, informative, yet easy & digestible read. Though an avid drinker of wine and champagne who has visited the region multiple times, I'm far from being an oenophile or connoisseur. White's colorful descriptions of the history of the region and production process make it easy for amateur drinkers to follow along; meanwhile the detailed grower profiles (of which there are dozens) offer quite a bit of information that I imagine would be new to even the most educated champagne drinkers.As others have noted in their reviews, I found the commentary on recent trends to be especially interesting. The picturesque photos are an added bonus to this wonderful book.

So excited to finally receive my copy and read through it. It has a great combination of thoughtful analysis of Champagne's history along with commentary about more recent trends. For the wine lover, you get such great detail and depth on the region's coolest producers (Ledru, Provost, Laval, Selosse, etc) along with plenty of commentary on the big houses, too.I've always been a fan of David's writing, so it's no surprise that I plowed through this book quickly. My only question to the author is, "what region are you focusing on next?" My vote would be for Rioja!

A thoroughly enjoyable read laced with interesting anecdotes about the development of champagne and Champagne at important moments in history. It filled in the gaps I had in wine knowledge about the region while entertaining me and, as a result, I raced through the first half in 3 nights. The second half focuses on producer profiles and not only informed me in the background of my favorite producers but also introduced me to new producers I am looking for when I head out to wine shops. Thanks, David!

For someone whose understanding of champagne began and ended with the fact that I enjoy drinking it, and some vague understanding that you ferment it more than once, this book was perfect. It's an easy read, packs in fun and fascinating history, and even looks great on the coffee table. Bottom line: buy the book. It'll have you excited to drink more delicious wines (especially the 'Grower Champagnes' that the author does such a nice job promoting and profiling).

I love Champagne. I try to enjoy a different Grand Marque Champagne during our Christmas celebration. This book gave me a better appreciation of the types of grapes that are in my favorite wine. Now I have more information about Grower Champagnes that may have the same composition and maybe available at a lower price point. The search now begins to find these new wines. I am looking forward to the search.

Beautiful book - showed up quick!

A great book - suitable for anyone interested in learning a bit more about what they are drinking. The guide manages to avoid being stuffy, and has lots of high quality images in it. However, as you begin to accumulate all of this new knowledge, well you feel it's only polite to go ahead and do a tasting...then another and another and before you know it you have spent far more on champagne than you would ever have if you never bought the book. Oops.

A really nice work about Champagne, growers, story, great houses ! Nice pictures, good presentation ans easy to read. Great