THE MOST COMPLETE WINE BOOK EVER. A must for anyone who loves wine, whether they are a pro or an amateur. Thorough, authoritative, and entertaining. (Robert Mondavi, founder and chairman emeritus of the Robert Mondavi Family of Wines"<P> "The most informative and entertaining book I've ever seen on the subject." (Danny Meyer, co-author of The Union Square CafT Cookbook)<P> 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.<P> 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.<P> The shimmering elegance of Veuve Clicquot, affordable luxury in a glass, page 185.<P> Ravishing, elegant, and rich, Petrus in Ingrid Bergman in red satin, page 156.<P> Some wines are like people... they get better as they get older, pg. 64.<P> Sherry, the world's most misunderstood and underappreciated wine, page 437.