How many times have you stood in an off-licence or in the supermarket wine aisle wondering how on earth you are going to choose a bottle from the vast array on display? Red, white or "pink" is hard enough, but French, Italian, New World? And what about grape variety? Step in Jancis Robinson with her infinitely readable, highly intelligent guide to wine and all its apparent conundrums for the uninitiated. Aimed specifically at those wanting to learn more but with little experience, she clearly and concisely leads the reader into this great world of wine, spanning the globe from Europe to South America, to Australia and South Africa. From terms, paraphernalia, tasting, buying, storing and serving, the book is a mine of information. No longer will you apologise to guests for sediment at the bottom of a bottle or insult them by serving a fizzy white as Champagne. You will be able to pick the perfect partner for your dinner menu, serve it with aplomb and savour it with your guests. Lavishly illustrated this should be the one book every wine-lover should have on their shelf. It is an indispensable reference to the subject and this new edition has been brought fully up-to-date to reflect the fast-growing industry of wine production. - Lucy Watson
