Oz Clarke S Wine Advisor 1996

A refreshingly accessible wine handbook by the liveliest and most popular of he new generation of wine experts. More than just a reference, this user-friendly and delightfully informative, witty, and opinionated guide.

Oz Clarke doesn't mince words when it comes to wine: he's outspoken, opinionated, and refreshingly down-to-earth. And with this handy take-along guide, he gives you all the information you need to become an instant connoisseur. Clarke's simple rating system and more than 14,000 A-to-Z listings cut through wine-label confusion and point you unerringly toward the best bottles and the best buys.

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.

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.

Bordeaux has always been the center of attention in the wine world, with some of the greatest wines, the most historic châteaux, and the highest level of glamour and prestige. And, despite increasing competition from new classic wine areas around the world, it still accounts for more than 90 percent of global wine futures and auction markets.In his trademark A-to-Z format, Oz profiles more than three hundred of Bordeaux's most important châteaux as well as their second wines and discount brands, and recommends and describes hundreds of other châteaux. With color photos, wine labels, charts, and maps throughout, this volume covers each of Bordeaux's subregions in sumptuous detail--fully exploring the area's history, geography, soils, and grape varieties.Oz is at his witty, incisive best on this region, which he has both championed and challenged for years. With his vivid descriptions of the area as well as his knowledge of classic and best-value wines, this is an essential book for all lovers of Bordeaux wine.