Oz Clarke's Encyclopedia of Grapes
Offered up as a lively and comprehensive alphabetical discussion of some 350 types of wine grapes,Oz Clarke's Encyclopedia of Grapescould double as a crush course in viticulture as taught by the award-winning, U.K.-based wine writer and coauthor Margaret Rand. Beginning with three lines for Abouriou ("on the way out, and won't be much missed") and ending with nine pages for Zinfandel, the book certainly delivers. And the approachable scholarship included in the introductory pages--touching on everything from the difference between a hybrid and a cross and the floating definition of "ripe"--provides an informative overview. Blending Clarke's Mourvedre-like, dryly tannic, intoxicatingly kicky writing style with the firm Syrah-esque backbone of Rand's collaboration,Oz Clarke's Encyclopedia of Grapesis premium juice.--Tony Mason