The Complete Guide with Over 50 Maps.
Second Edition.
Essential to the library of any international wine enthusiast, this is the fully revised and updated edition of John Beeston's guide to Australia's wine growing regions and subregions, with vineyard ratings and notes on grape and wine varieties. It is the most comprehensive and up-to-date guide to the geographical indications that now divide Australia's wine areas into zones, regions and sub-regions.
This "geography" of wine has been written in response to the growing movement to classify Australian wine in more regional terms. In France it is terroir that determines a wine's uniqueness, but how do we define those factors that give Australian wines their "regional" qualities? Is it by soil, by climate, by topography, or simply by municipal boundaries.
John Beeston introduces us to each of Australia's wine regions, their winemaking histories as well as the viticultural qualities that make each place unique. He also provides a comprehensive listing of vineyards and wineries in each region with descriptions of soils, climate and location together with notes on grape varieties planted, grape cultivation techniques, harvesting times and leading wines. As a wine taster of note, John Beeston also gives his personal rating of many of the wineries listed.
This book is encyclopaedic in its scope, but more importantly it will help wine lovers understand the unique qualities of Australian wines and discover the country's many vineyards, both large and small. This is an essential addition to the library of any wine enthusiast.