The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Wine

This title takes us on a definitive tour through the world of wine, with over 500 photographs, maps and wine labels. This is a globetrotting journey through the world's wine regions, from Bordeaux to Rioja, from the Lebanon to California, and from South Africa's Cape to Australia's Barossa Valley, including notes on the top vintages to look for. It focuses on 12 major grape varieties from Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon to Gewurztraminer and Gamay, discussing their aromas, flavours and typical characteristics. It explores the principles of tasting wine - identifying dryness, sweetness, acidity, tannin, oak and fruit - plus how to create your own collection in a cellar, a guide to corkscrews and glasses, how to let wine breathe, and which foods go best with which wines. This is a fully revised and updated edition of a classic reference, with over 460 wine and grape photographs, wine labels and hand-painted maps. Written for those who simply enjoy drinking wine and for connoisseurs looking for a deeper knowledge of a fascinating subject, this book is a comprehensive, authoritative and accessible guide that will provide readers with the confidence and enthusiasm to explore in depth for themselves. Country by country, and region by region, the book journeys around the world to drop in on familiar and lesser-known producers, and studies the world's 12 major grape varieties, describing their aromas and flavours. It is a major reference on the fascinating world of wines and winemaking.