The ever increasing size of this book reflects the increasing interest in wine, so it now lands with an impressive thump on your desktop. Though its content doesn't always reflect who that new market is.
The authors start with a, rather meandering, description of the history and production of wine and some basic notes on tasting, appreciation and handling of wine. Some of this is very useful, most of it is very basic for someone who already knows the subject and all of it could do with some editing to make the best of their material. Some of it punctures some of the myths about wine such as how long wines should be laid down and do you really need to let wine breath. Elsewhere they perpetuate some of those myths, for example they ... Read More:
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Thirty years ago this book could not have been written. With the increasing ascendancy of the New World wine makers and in particular the influence of the Davis campus of the University of California, viticulture and oenology are now rigorous, scientific and commercially oriented professions. This is reflected in the "Oxford Companion to Wine" which has to be the most comprehensive, authoritative and accessible resource dealing with all aspects of the world of wine.
Jancis Robinson who edited this encyclopedia of wine is a highly respected wine writer and educator. She is also very well credentialled, holding the prestigious title of "Master of Wine".
Thirty years ago this book could not have been written. With the increasing ascendancy of the New World wine makers and in particular the influence of the Davis campus of the University of California, viticulture and oenology are now rigorous, scientific and commercially oriented professions. This is reflected in the "Oxford Companion to Wine" which has to be the most comprehensive, authoritative and accessible resource dealing with all aspects of the world of wine.
Jancis Robinson who edited this encyclopedia of wine is a highly respected wine writer and educator. She is also very well credentialled, holding the prestigious title of "Master of Wine".
This book effortlessly combines the serious business of philosophy with the equally important subject of wine (important that is to lovers of wine!).
The book takes the form of a series of essays by both masters of wine and masters of philosophy. The essay format makes the book accessible and easy to dip into whether you are an amateur philosopher or an enthusiastic oenophile. The format also allows a wide spectrum of subjects to be covered from the philosophical question of whether taste can be objective (see the essay written by the book's editor, Barry Smith) to the science behind how the brain processes sensations of taste and smell (an admirably lucid article by Jamie Goode who is both a biochemist and a wine writer).
This is a great reference book for any wine lover no matter their level of expertise.
The depth of detail is perfectly balanced by the book's easily accessible style of writing which means that, as your knowledge of wine develops, the book still manages to inform.
This work deals not only with wine but also the effect of the "terroir" from which it comes thus giving a really comprehensive understanding of the art of wine.
The book is a perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a glass & wants to expand their knowledge; it's also an essential reference point for anyone wishing to have a career in wine.
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This invaluable book gives a great start to learning about wines. This can be a great book for moving into the wine industry and following up with industry qualifications, or for the enthusiastic amateur. Well written, and clear
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This invaluable book gives a great start to learning about wines. This can be a great book for moving into the wine industry and following up with industry qualifications, or for the enthusiastic amateur. Well written, and clear
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This book is more of an autobiography than a wine book, but that does not make it any less entralling. Robinsons' career in wine is astonishing, prolific and enviable. Her account of how she became so attached to wine is both romantic and understandable. I felt that this book could quite literally inspire an occasional wine drinker to become a boorish buff within a very short period of time!
If you are interested in starting to get to know more about wine then this is a good starting point. Easy to follow guide with Pratical tips on how to get-to-know your taste buds along with all the theory.
Jancis Robinson has added her usual personal wit which make for an interesting read!
Fizzy wines are also covered with an interesting section on the different grapes and areas.
Well worth getting. Hardback, so always looks nice.
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This invaluable book gives a great start to learning about wines. This can be a great book for moving into the wine industry and following up with industry qualifications, or for the enthusiastic amateur. Well written, and clear
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