Perigord Large Wine Glass pack of 6 43620901 -

The Oxford Companion to Wine Wine head girl Jancis Robinson publishes a new edition of her acclaimed Oxford Companion to Wine, coming as close as anybody is likely to in achieving the unachievable goal of a detailed, comprehensive, single-volume work of reference covering the whole world of wines. Just how daunting the task of keeping up with the now practically supersonic pace of development in many areas of the wine industry must be is indicated by the need, only five years after the first edition, to issue another with updated versions of about half the 3,000 entries. It is an awesome achievement. Wine is now a modern, global industry: Jancis Robinson and her team of contributors require–and deliver–expertise in a really astonishing range of disciplines.

Practically every field of human knowledge seems to have something to contribute. From geology and soil chemistry, through forestry and the nature of the different woods used for barrels and the harvesting of cork bark, to the cultivation of the vine, its training and pruning, and the techniques of fermentation; the list extends even into areas of cutting-edge science such as DNA fingerprinting (which finally in 1997 unravelled the mystery of the parentage of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape–no, wild horses wouldn’t drag it from me, you’ll have to buy the book). This is not to mention the thorough coverage of wine regions and grape varieties, the role of wine through history and its presence in art, the glossary entries. One could go on and on. This is a stupendous feat of organisation. More than that, it is throughout well written and lively, and in possession of a healthy quantity of attitude. –Robin Davidson
Customer Review: FROM VINE TO WINE —— A MINE OF INFORMATION
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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”.

The real power of this book as an information source is the very effective use of cross-references. Its great fun to see how far one reference will take you on subjects of particular interest to the reader. It would be good to see this book published as a CD-ROM. Hyper-linking all the cross-references would make it even more powerful.

The changes in the wine business over the past generation have seen the previously exclusive, “clubbiness”, almost snobby world of fine wine appreciation opened up to everyone. It is books like this that have provided the sources of knowledge which give people the confidence and curiosity to pursue their interest and enjoyment of wine.

France is the traditional home of fine wine. The French approach to wine making is still dominated by practices and methodologies that go back centuries. It is interesting to see in the “Oxford Companion” the strong contrast between the empirically rigorous New World (particularly USA and Australian) methods and the mystery (or mystique) that even today, shrouds much of the French industry.

One of the best illustrations of this dichotomy in the Companion is the entry on “Terroir”. This French term encapsulates the mystique that defines a particular vine growing area. It goes well beyond the issue of soil and microclimate but instead embraces everything that makes a particular wine unique.

In the “Companion” the terroir debate seems to come down on the side which believes the term is used to cover vagueness and explain characteristics that are otherwise difficult to explain. This allows sometimes ordinary wine to be passed off as something special.

Compare this to the innovative, scientifically supported approaches used in the New World. A good example is the development of “Canopy Management” the varying techniques used to optimize the yield and ripening characteristics of a grapevine.

Similarly we have see the arrival of “flying winemakers” from Australia into regions like the Languedoc-Roussillon area of France. They have introduced stainless steel fermentation vessels, temperature control and meticulous cleanliness, to what was previously a very rough and ready local business. They are now producing some of the some best Merlots, acknowledged by even the French.

This book will no doubt become the definitive reference book on all matters to do with the world of wine. It will be of the highest value to both the wine professional and the enthusiastic wine lover.
Customer Review: comprehensive wine guide for the novice to expert
Great ‘Bible’ for wine lovers. A comprehensive encyclopedia of wine ranging from types of grape and regions of wine production to detailed discriptions of the qualities of different grape varieties. This book is a must for the wine lover or the interested novice. One small criticism would be the over attention to detail in the history of each wine region and not enough comment on the actual flavours and qualities of each grape variety/growing region. Otherwise a top notch publication.

Table-Mountable Wine Bucket Holder (Holder Only) -

Biodynamic Wines Customer Review: Another invaluable guide.
The first book to tackle the sometimes contentious but rapidly growing world of Biodynamic wine making.

It is written with wit and knowledge and presents arguments that make it difficult to disagree.

The author has a mastery of his subject that is all too often rare in the arena of wine writing. He is unpretentious with it.

Overall, an excellent read if you are interested in wine, biodynamics, food production or the well-being of the planet.

Hen Night Gift Wine Glass(new) -

Home-made Country Wines, beer, mead and methglin

Denby Greenwich/Regency Green White Wine Glass - Set of 2 -

To Cork or Not to Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science, and the Battle for the Wine Bottle

CellarDine Rouge 02 Stainless Steel Wine Breather -

Chow! Venice: Savouring the Food and Wine of La Serenissima Customer Review: Absolutely buy this book!
If you only take one guidebook to Venice, make sure it’s this one. We took the 1st Edition along on our first trip to Venice last year and it changed a good holiday into an amazing experience.
There is a mouth-watering introductory section with guidance on what specialities to look out, very useful for a first timer. The main section reviews recommended bars, cafes and restaurants, usefully divided into geographical areas so you can easily plan an itinerary to fit in with sight-seeing. The enthusiasm of the authors for good food and for the city of Venice shines through on every page.
The reviews of bars and restaurants are completely honest and reliable, not only for the quality of food but also for the ambience and helpfulness of the staff. We didn’t have a single bad experience in visiting any of the places recommended in the book. The excellence of the food and the friendliness of the people we met are all part of our happy memories of this beautiful city.
Whether this is your first or fiftieth trip to Venice, you won’t regret buying this book.
Customer Review: A great way to have a great holiday in a great city
I have been to Venice twice now, and finding good restaurants the first time was very difficult. I have just come back from my second trip, and in five days we dined at six of the authors’ recommendations, and they were all excellent.

Some of these restaurants would be impossible to find any other way (e.g. Locanda Montin).

This book made our vacation a real gourmet experience

Plastic Wine Coller -

The Backyard Vintner: The Wine Enthusiast’s Guide to Growing Grapes and Making Wine at Home (Backyard)

15 Bottle Wine Rack Kit - Dark Stained Oak -

Wine Report 2009

WINE STOPPER & FOIL CUTTER -

The Emperor of Wine: The Story of the Remarkable Rise and Reign of Robert Parker Customer Review: A GLASS ACT
It is said that Robert Parker can make a millionaire out of you with his mouth. When he spits out the wine from his mouth it can either spiral you into a different stratosphere or can bury your winery for life. That he is more influential that perhaps most people in the world is clear when you see his influence spanning Tennessee and Tokyo. The Emperor of Wine by Elin McCoy is a tribute to the undisputed czar of the cabernet. It traces his modest beginnings from meatloaf to Michelin starred restaurants. Even today, a score of over 90 from Parker can set cash registers ringing over a humble Riesling. Interesting, Parker owes his heady rise to the top to his love for Pat, his girlfriend who lured him from the boondocks of America to the cafes of France. It is another matter that Parker to this day is married to the woman. The book is an interesting take on a charismatic and often arrogant oenophile. But for those who have even a passing love for the Lafite, The Emperor of Wine is mandatory reading. The bouquet of the book is heady, the body wholesome and the flavour just right. Knowing Parker, the book would have got a 90 plus. Uncork it and pour it into your library.

Customer Review: Simply brilliant!
Elin McCoy’s biography of the world’s most influential wine critic is a thoroughly research and brilliantly written book. This is not just the story of the remarkable rise of Robert Parker in the wine industry; it’s also a very concise overview of developments in the wine idustry over the last five decades.

Whether you like Parker or not, whether you care about his marks on the famous 100-scale or not, you will be fascinated by this book if you’re a wine aficionado. McCoy is a critical but very fair biographer, and having read this book it is hard to believe that anybody will come up with a better account of Parker’s rise in the future.

Solid Pine 12 Bottle Wine Rack Kit -

The Wine of Youth: Selected Stories Customer Review: Reading this book is like drinking wine.
The first story goes slow but as you get used to it, you ask for more. Wonderful name for a wonderful book.
Customer Review: The Short Story died when John Fante stopped writing.
The Bell didn’t Jar for Fante. He wrote like a man on fire, a fire of his own creation, a fire that lit up the sky and said ‘Here I am! Take me or cover your eyes!’ His stories are nearly flawless, all are great, and some are beyond great: they are burned into us and they are art. ‘A Wife for Dino Rossi’ is Everyman’s Long Day’s Journey. ‘Home Sweet Home’ and ‘Hail Mary’ drive the reader forward like a speeding locomotive - on Fire. Thank you, Black Sparrow Press for allowing us to warm our hearts and our minds. Thank you, Mr. Fante for never cooling; your sparks have lit a thousand flames.

Wine Brewing Kit - Red -

The Wines of Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois Customer Review: The Wines of Chablis and the Grand Auxerrois
An up to date survey of this region was needed and this concise guide provides it. There is a good survey of Chablis putting the wine into its historical context and charting its ups and downs over the centuries. The domaine profiles are informative (and provide a good balance of detail) as are the vintage notes. A very useful reference book and well written.