Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8709 in Books
• Published on: 2007-11-08
• Binding: Hardcover
• 664 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Tom Stevenson's new edition of his Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia is a formidable achievement. Five years in the preparation(Stevenson had planned for three but found himself overwhelmed by the incredible changes a decade had brought to the world of wine), it is a real master work, putting Stevenson up there among the gurus--Jancis Robinson, Oz Clarke, Hugh Johnson. Genuinely encyclopedic in scope and organisation, this is a publication that delivers what it promises: comprehensive information about all aspects of wine, in a beautifully clear structure and layout. It's wonderfully illustrated, too, with many evocative pictures of vineyards and wineries around the world.

As so often with the current crop of all-encompassing blockbuster wine books, the reader is likely to end up bemused by the sheer quantity of information, and the range of disciplines, that the modern wine writer must master. Not so very long ago a few elegant cellar and tasting notes might suffice. These days, the wine writer's skills must encompass geology, geography and soil chemistry; the myriad grape varieties and the best way to train, prune and harvest each of them in different climates; the qualities of the different types of oak used for barrels--French against American against Russian. And that's all before you even start making the wine, let alone tasting it. Tom Stevenson has all this at his fingertips. As a reliable guide for the novice, and an unfailingly informative companion for the connoisseur, The New Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia will be hard to beat. --Robin Davidson

BBC Good Food Magazine, 1 February, 2006
'It's a great gift for a wine buff'

Synopsis
Three-time Wine Writer of the Year, Tom Stevenson updates and enriches his award-winning visual guide to the wines of the world. Described as "a heroic piece of work ...an indispensable book which should be part of any serious wine lover's library" - "Sunday Times". From the Old World to the New, including all the emerging regions, pick up the latest on all the wine-producing areas across the globe; covers every appellation, official and unofficial, and all the best producers. Plus, find practical advice on tasting, storing and serving as well as expert tips on choosing food to accompany wine. This is a tantalising read which will appeal to any serious wine drinker's palate.

Customer Reviews

Superb choice for an amateur or expert
I bought this edition of the book a few years ago and have just pre-ordered the new edition due out in November. I use this book constantly, even now. Some of the information is a little dated, so I would recommend pre-ordering the latest edition (as I have done). It's an excellent series of books and don't be put off by the price, it's well worth it!!!

A Genuine Must Have
This is an excellent production with comprehensive detail, first class layout and maps. The balance is perfect catering equally for beginner, keen amateur and expert.

If you only buy two wine books, get this and Wine Behind the Label and you will not be disappointed.

A 'must-have' for those interested in wine
I was given the first edition of this encyclopaedia in 1989 and was very impressed with the easy to read depth of information within it. The newer edition (for which I am writing this review) is different. It covers much of the same ground as the older book but in some areas, Alsace as an example, it provides a different, but equally useful angle. In the first edition, the individual growers are listed together with a resume of their wines and styles. In the second, the grape varieties and blends are listed with a list of the better growers. Personally, I find the two books together an ideal combination. If you are interested in discovering hitherto little discovered wines, 'sleepers' or the very best examples of a specific type this is the book to get. If you can get a copy of the first edition to go with it, even better!