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.

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...

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.

“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.

First published in hardcover as Oz Clarke’s Encyclopedia of Grapes, Oz Clarke’s Grapes and Wines is newly revised and updated to provide the most current information on an even wider array of grapes. Oz covers chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon, and fifteen other "classic" grapes in depth, and includes features on tradition and innovation, methods used in the vineyard and the winery, and different wine styles around the world. He also provides vivid descriptions of more than three hundred grape varieties organized in his renowned A-to-Z format, as well as a glossary of technical terms and a wine decoder that lists which grapes go into which wines.This authoritative volume by one of the world’s great wine writers is all you need to distinguish among grape varieties— the wines they create and the flavors they contribute—and to make an informed choice on selecting the most satisfying wines.

Uncork a whole new take on the fascinating story of wine, captivatingly told by everyone’s favourite wine expert Oz Clarke. This fully updated edition takes us through the riveting twists and turns of the history of winemaking all the way to the very latest trials and innovations of the present day...

Now available in paperback, this A-Z reference has been updated to reflect the latest developments in the world of wine. 700 color photos.