Stuff Parisians Like - A Book Review

There comes a time in most wine explorations paths in which France must come into consideration. A country that produces so much wonderful wine simply must become a part of any true understanding of wine. And I must say that in my consideration is has done quite well. Even in our domestic productions we refer to Bordeaux blends, Burgundian grapes, and Rhone varietals. In my journey I have come to have a deep respect for the history, the traditions, and the qualities of the wines of France. It's not that one must think French wine better than their non-French counterparts (although many wine enthusiasts do) it is just a fact that many New World wines will tout their ability to compare to the standards France has set. The vinfluence of France's vineyards and cellars simply must be recognized.

What followed for me was a bit of a fascination with the people and culture of France. I hope you have learned on these pages how much an understanding of where a wine comes from can enhance a wine drinking experience. When I made the rather simple discovery that it was French people who invented the wonders of a bottle of Champagne, I knew that these people were fascinating.

I recently read a book, that while not exactly about wine, is a deep and sarcastic plunge into the culture of the Parisians. With plenty of insight into 'les paysans' the book offers a tongue-in-cheek whirlwind tour into many of the cultures that make up the French. Stuff Parisians Like, by Olivier Magny is arguably filled with offensive stereotypes, yet it instead comes across as a jovial celebration of the quirks and idiosyncrasies that make the French who they are.

For me this was a fun read, and one that takes some of the mysticism and intimidation out of the country that offers such a complex wine history. While not directly discussing wine and its array of regions in France, it reminded me that these are people just like the people of Sonoma, or Walla Walla. With hilarious chapters such as:

Having Theories

Despising le PSG

The Idea of Sailing

Bitching About Waiters

and Not Drinking Wine

This book will have you laughing, concurring, and feeling more confident about making a trip to Paris (followed by jaunts to Champagne, or the Loire). The author does have a strong wine connection, having opened O-Chateau in Paris to offer wine classes, and subsequently a wine bar in the 1er arrondissement that has a great reputation. Read the book, book your tickets to Paris, get signed up for one of Magny's classes, and let your wine exploration expand into a fascination with the wonderfully complex (but not as intimidating as you thought) culture of France.

You can purchase the book here.

The book was provided as a media sample.