An introduction to the world of wine by the acclaimed wine writer covers the basics of grapes, regions, and vintages, and ends his tour on the wine rack with valuable advice on how to choose the best bottle.
Moving from the first cork tops to screw caps, this unique volume explores winemaking through 100 bottles that made the biggest impact on its evolution. Renowned writer Oz Clarke presents such landmarks as the introduction of the cylindrical wine bottle; the first estate to bottle and label its own wine; the most expensive bottle sold at auction; the change in classifications; famous vintages, and more. It's a beautiful tribute to the bottled poetry that is wine.
Oz uses his trademark wit and irreverent style to teach you the basics of wine appreciation and show you how to get more out of a bottle of wine, and find out what is really inside. Have you ever gone into your local wine shop or looked at the wine list in your local bar and thought with a sense of panic ‘Help, what do I choose?’... What sort of wine do I fancy today? A refreshing white? A summery red to take on a picnic or a spicy wine to go with a winter’s stew?’ Well, Oz is here to help. Split into sections covering basics (wine at a glance, good grape guide, wine styles, from grape to glass and quick guide to countries); practical stuff (what the label tells you, the canny wine buyer, essential kit, serving and keeping wine); and becoming a wine geek (tasting wine, starting your own collection, finding out more and quick guide to names in wine). Oz will be your guide through the world of fascinating flavours and help you find the sort of wine you enjoy drinking. Dip into this book and you will find a quick, accessible guide to wine styles: what is warm and spicy or chewy and blackcurranty? He recommends wines to try; and explains what the label tells you about the taste and quality of the wine and whether it is any good or not. Soon you will be confident enough to choose between flavoursome reds such as Shiraz or Pinot Noir, and refreshing whites from Alberiño to Sauvignon Blanc. The book is divided into short, easy to read topics, with recommended wines to try covering all styles and flavours. Now is the moment to grab that glass, learn about what is inside that bottle and taste while you read...
“There is no better introduction to the world's most dazzling wine region.” --Decanter Written by one of the world's most respected and knowledgeable wine experts, this is the finest one-volume, full-color introduction to Bordeaux. Oz Clarke has created a refreshingly witty and readable guide to France's famous wine region, filled with evocative descriptions, engaging personal anecdotes, stunning images, and practical information. He turns his spotlight on the most notable Bordeaux wine areas (including St-Emilion, Pomerol, Margaux, and Pauillac), examines the state of French winemaking, suggests best buys, and recommends hundreds of affordable, modern chateaux where one can enjoy a glass. This is Oz Clarke at his witty, incisive best.
Through its unique cartography--more than 75 spectacular, hand-painted panoramic maps--and Clarke's lively and opinionated prose, this revolutionary atlas illustrates and explains the vital connections between the land, the winemaker, and the wine. Full color. Maps & photos.
Bordeaux has always been the center of attention in the wine world, with some of the greatest wines, the most historic châteaux, and the highest level of glamour and prestige. And, despite increasing competition from new classic wine areas around the world, it still accounts for more than 90 percent of global wine futures and auction markets.In his trademark A-to-Z format, Oz profiles more than three hundred of Bordeaux's most important châteaux as well as their second wines and discount brands, and recommends and describes hundreds of other châteaux. With color photos, wine labels, charts, and maps throughout, this volume covers each of Bordeaux's subregions in sumptuous detail--fully exploring the area's history, geography, soils, and grape varieties.Oz is at his witty, incisive best on this region, which he has both championed and challenged for years. With his vivid descriptions of the area as well as his knowledge of classic and best-value wines, this is an essential book for all lovers of Bordeaux wine.
During the thirty-five years wine critic and writer Paul Gregutt has lived in the state of Washington, its wine industry has ballooned from a mere half dozen wineries to nearly five hundred. Washington Wines and Wineries offers a comprehensive, critical, and accessible account of the nation's second largest wine-producing region.
Oz Clarke’s now-classic pocket wine guide has been thoroughly and meticulously revised and updated for 2008, with much-anticipated lists of favorite wines, top values, producers and regions to watch, new vintage reports, and a country-by-country index.
The story of wine's ancient beginnings, with a foreword by Oz Clarke. The Chinese have been making wine since the days of the Silk Road and they have a rich, yet little known wine culture. Their now thriving wine market is entwined with thousands of years of fashion, poetry, and art, and offers a window into the country's vibrant history and legendary tales. This well-researched book offers a taste of China through a wine journey, setting the rise of grape wine against the fascinating backdrop of Chinese culture. In an accessible and comprehensive tone, this guide covers the relationship between Chinese philosophy and wine, the renaissance of grape wine in modern China, the different varieties of Chinese wines, how to pair them with Chinese food and explores wine etiquette and customs. As wines from China are spreading to our shores and our tables, this book is an essential companion for all wine lovers interested in exploring new flavours while expanding their cultural horizons.