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Rating: 
Summary: A Good First Guide
Review: A very good introduction to the world of wine. Clarke spends the majority of the book discussing the basics: what to expect from different varities of wine, and what to expect from the various geographical regions where wine is produced. He spends little time on specific labels (although he does offer a few suggestions), so if you are looking for a buying guide this is not your book. It does not go into much depth, but it does a fine job of covering the subject in a light, engaging manner.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Intro to Wine
Review: I sat down at the local Barnes & Noble with this book and four others: "The K.I.S.S. Guide to Wine", "Wine for Dummies", "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Wine", and "The Complete Guide to Wine". Of the five books, "Oz Clarke's Introducing Wine" was (if I remember correctly) the most expensive of the five and, at 144 pages, the shortest--which made me question whether it was the best value. However, after comparing the five books, it's the only one I took home with me. Here's why: All five books covered my four major areas of interest (food & wine pairing, the characteristics of the different grape varieties and regions, how to serve wine and how to decipher wine labels), but the Clarke book, in my mind, had the clearest, most interesting and best written material. Also, the "Wine Wheel" graphics (pp. 13 & 18) and the Food & Wine Matching Charts (pp. 61 & 62) were, for me, worth the purhcase price alone. By the way, "The K.I.S.S. Guide to Wine" is a great choice for those wanting more in-depth coverage.
Rating:
Summary: a non-snobby and easy-to-follow introduction
Review: Just as I enjoy armchair travelling for its budget price, I like armchair wine books. Not all of us can afford to drink great wine daily, but it's fine to read about it and to heighten your appreciation when you do get the chance to try a great wine. This book is very easy to follow and does an especially great job on the various grape types (varietals) from gamay to nebbiolo and everything in between. It should answer almost anyone's basic questions about grapes and how wine is made. The flavor wheels and food charts are very helpful as are the regional breakdowns that make up part 3. I happen to like this breezy style, but if you want a stuffy wine book, don't buy this one. Our fearless author sticks in lots of his opinions, but in a way that makes us believe him. For the novice (and even for the expert who needs some brushing up), this is an easy to follow and helpful guide to a world of wine.
Rating:
Summary: a non-snobby and easy-to-follow introduction
Review: Just as I enjoy armchair travelling for its budget price, I like armchair wine books. Not all of us can afford to drink great wine daily, but it's fine to read about it and to heighten your appreciation when you do get the chance to try a great wine. This book is very easy to follow and does an especially great job on the various grape types (varietals) from gamay to nebbiolo and everything in between. It should answer almost anyone's basic questions about grapes and how wine is made. The flavor wheels and food charts are very helpful as are the regional breakdowns that make up part 3. I happen to like this breezy style, but if you want a stuffy wine book, don't buy this one. Our fearless author sticks in lots of his opinions, but in a way that makes us believe him. For the novice (and even for the expert who needs some brushing up), this is an easy to follow and helpful guide to a world of wine.
Rating:
Summary: Entertaining, useful primer
Review: This is a brief, breezy three-part primer for the aspiring wine aficionado; liberally splashed with color photos of wine, wine country, food to eat with wine and Clarke with a glass in his hand.
First he discusses wine flavors, what to buy and from where, according to pocketbook. Then he gives tips on enjoying wine: pairing with food, storing, buying, and deciphering the label. The last and longest section discusses wine by country: regions, characteristics and ten to try. An entertaining, non-threatening, useful guide for the beginner.
Rating:
Summary: A great beginner's Book
Review: This is the best introductory wine boook that I know.
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