The Oxford Companion to Wine

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

Amazon.com
With more than 3,000 entries on every aspect of wine from vine pests to specific grapes, this hefty tome has something for both the seasoned connoisseur and novice alike. Edited by one of today's premier wine columnists, the work covers all aspects of wine, travelling back in time to early Greece to examine wine's role in Dionysian revels, then returning to today's wine centers to explore all aspects of wine appreciation. A full third of the book is dedicated to specific wines and wine-producing regions. All those technical terms you've heard and puzzled over at tastings are clearly explained, making this the perfect reference for newcomers to the world of oenology.

For the true connoisseur, The Oxford Companion offers detailed information on the history of the vintner's art, as well as a plethora of details on everything from climate effects on vine disease to the function of the second malolactic fermentation. If you buy only one wine book, this should be it.

The second edition which went on further to update readers on topics ranging from controlling bodies, prices & investments, new global markets, statistical overviews and vintages.

Worth every pence!


An Exhaustive (but not exhausting) Wine Reference   Dezember 17, 1999
Frederic Woodbridge
The sheer breadth of what this astounding book offers is almost too good to be true. I just started out learning about wine and I wish this had been the first book I cracked open. Jancis Robinson shows her immense talent as an editor and should be commended. If you're learning about wine, this is the book to get. If you already know about wine, get it anyway. You won't reget the purchase.


Structure of Oxford Guide   März 31, 1999
docshelp@cinti.net (Cincinnati OH, USA)
The Oxford Guide is extraordinary by any measue. It's only flaw, and a major one, is that phoenetic spellings are not given for the wines and some of the vineyards, towns, et al. Even those who speak FLUENT French, Italian, German or whatever, will encounter unfamiliar names with pronunciations that may be a puzzle.


The OED of viticulture ...   Mai 22, 1998
This behemoth covers "A"bboccato to "Z"infandel (actually Zweigelt) and every facet in between. As multi-layered as a fine wine itself, the OCTW is one reference you will neither tire of nor outgrow.