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.

Completely updated with a sparkling new interior, "The Essential Wine Book" offers "the best introductory text to wine and the most enjoyable (one) to read" (Robert Parker). 175 color photographs. 350 color wine labels. 60 maps.

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.

Australian wine has become a major player in recent years, taking the American market by storm with its upfront fruit, clear flavors, and eminent drinkability. In this handy companion, internationally renowned wine writer Oz Clarke offers readers and travelers an extensive and entertaining look at one of the world's most exciting wine-producing countries. Here the wine lover will find the best Australian wines at every level, from everyday easy-drinking wines to truly great classic wines. With his signature wit and style, Oz shares personal anecdotes from his frequent trips to Australia, discusses key Australian grapes and key wine regions, profiles more than 160 of the country's top producers, and presents labels and tasting notes on more than a hundred wines. Major wine-growing areas are featured in full-color photographs, and top vineyard areas are illustrated with panoramic maps.

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...

You don’t need to know all about wine regions or how wine is made to choose wine with confidence. If you like the sound of intense, blackcurranty reds or aromatic whites, this book will tell you how to find these flavours in the wines you buy, regardless of whether the wine is labelled by grape variety or by country. Drinking wine is all about enjoyment. Oz explains how to get maximum enjoyment out of every bottle you buy, from dealing with broken corks, to learning basic tasting techniques, spotting faulty wine, and matching food and wine, whether at home or in a restaurant. In Oz’s down-to-earth guide to all the world’s major wine regions you’ll find everything you need to know to navigate your way round a wine shop or wine website. Oz explores grape varieties, flavours and styles, giving equal consideration to classic wine regions – such as Bordeaux and Chianti – and the newer wine-producing countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina. Do vintages matter? Are the wines good value for money? Oz tells you everything you really need to know. Gradually building your knowledge with expert tips, information boxes and wines to try, this is a complete guide for the beginner wine enthusiast. Word Count: 55,000

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2018 ANDRE SIMON AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE FORTNUM AND MASON DRINK BOOK AWARD SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES BEARD AWARD With Red & White, Oz Clarke has reinvented wine writing. This is a book to read for pleasure, rather than merely refer to. Combining fast-paced witty memoir with passionately opinionated guide, Oz pops the cork on his life-long love affair with wine. The best loved wine communicator of our time, Oz Clarke is the guest you want at your table, the person to select the wine, and the ideal drinking companion. He explains how, why & where he fell in love with wine; he explains the essentials of how wine is grown and made today; then takes you into the world's wine regions and introduces you to the wines he loves. Oz reveals how he tastes wine and how you can enjoy wine whatever the budget. He covers with equal care & attention all categories of wine, from the blue-chip to the most affordable. With Red & White, you are in the hands of the best-informed and the most inspirational guide, and you will pick up, without even trying, a wealth of knowledge that Oz is bursting to share with you. With climate change and the move to organic & sustainable practices, wine is evolving faster than ever before. And hundreds of local grape varieties, until recently facing extinction, are also being rediscovered. There have never been so many brilliant & original wines. To discover them, all you need is a glass in your hand, a sense of adventure, and Oz's Red & White as your companion & inspiration!