The Wine Bible – ‘Cork Dork’ by Bianca Bosker
041WINE’s Lelethu shares her journey into wine appreciation, sparked by Bianca Bosker’s Cork Dork and a love for discovering the stories behind every bottle.
My mother is the best teacher I’ve ever had. She introduced me to the world of reading at a very young age, and by the time I was five, I was devouring columns in The Herald. That early exposure sparked a lifelong obsession with escapism through literature. As I grew, my passions evolved, leading me to discover immense joy in forging my own path in the world of wine, while also exploring the perspectives and experiences of fellow wine lovers.
In 2017, the same year I launched my wine blog, I had the chance to visit New York City. I was excited yet uncertain about the direction my blog would take. I wanted to reassure myself that I was embarking on a fulfilling journey and not one leading to rehab. So, I reached out to a respected wine blogger in New York who had been successfully managing her blog while juggling a finance career. Her name? Chelsie, the Rosé Queen. She graciously invited me to meet her for a late afternoon glass of wine in Manhattan.
As I rushed to a small bar adorned with stunning gold interiors, the sunset cast a warm glow on everyone around us. Chelsie ordered us a Californian rosé—naturally—and I dove right into picking her brain. During our conversation, she recommended I read Cork Dork by Bianca Bosker. Little did I know, this book would transform my understanding of the wine industry and ignite an inexplicable passion within me.
Cork Dork tells the story of a journalist who sets out to become a sommelier. For those unfamiliar, a sommelier is a trained wine professional capable of identifying a wine’s region, year, aging process, and grape varietal—all from a single sip. After seven years in this industry, I’m still honing my blind tasting skills, which gives you a sense of the dedication required to reach sommelier status.
Bosker writes about wine with a deeply personal and emotional flair, as if she’s describing something divine. She captures the artistry behind the beverage, and with each chapter, you feel yourself growing alongside her on her sommelier journey. She immerses herself in the world of wine, forging friendships with other sommeliers and attending prestigious wine festivals around the globe to deepen her knowledge. Her encounters are rich with detail; she even shares a glass with the legendary Ann C. Noble, a sensory chemist renowned for creating the aroma wheel that has greatly enhanced public understanding of wine tasting.
What I particularly appreciate about Bosker’s narrative is its resonance with our generation. While I love learning historical facts about wine, I’m often more fascinated by contemporary figures who have made an imprint on our wine culture.
Now, I know many of you are curious about South African wine. The book does touch on it, but I must admit that I bristle a bit when Americans discuss our wines. It often comes across as condescending. While South Africa may have lagged in innovation and grape varietal diversity at the time Bosker wrote her book, I take pride in where we stand today. The focus leans heavily on Californian and European wines, so if those regions captivate you, this book is a perfect fit.
If I were to rate Cork Dork, I’d give it a solid 6/10. I would have loved a deeper exploration of all wine regions, especially South Africa, I genuinely believe we produce some of the best Pinot Noir in the world. While becoming a sommelier isn’t my ultimate goal, I found it fascinating to delve into their perspective. Personally, I’m more intrigued by the winemaker’s journey—that’s the true genesis of the wine religion. Overall, it’s an informative read, and I appreciate Bosker’s informal approach to wine—it’s meant to be enjoyed, not taken too seriously!
I’d love to hear what wine books you’re enjoying and your thoughts on Cork Dork!
Cheers!
Leave a Reply