(Robert Mondavi, founder and chairman emeritus of the Robert Mondavi Family of Wines) "The most informative and entertaining book I've ever seen on the subject." (Danny Meyer, co-author of The Union Square Cafe Cookbook) The essentials: The romance and intrigue of Burgundy of sauvignon blanc and the surprising elegance of Spain's top Riojas. Italy, one of wine's most enchanting and ancient homelands. What makes a great wine great? The reason behind Champagne's bubbles. The precise and food-friendly wines of Germany. California, wine's Camelot. The lip-smackingly good wines of Australia. The complexities of Port revealed. How a vineyard profoundly affects a wine's character. Plus, matching wine with food - and mood. The secrets of professional wine tasters and how to expand your wine-tasting vocabulary. And everything else you need to know to buy, store, serve, and enjoy the world's most captivating beverage. The shimmering elegance of Veuve Clicquot, affordable luxury in a glass, page 185. Ravishing, elegant, and rich, Petrus in Ingrid Bergman in red satin, page 156. Some wines are like people... they get better as they get older, pg. 64. Sherry, the world's most misunderstood and underappreciated wine, page 437.

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