Mitchell Beazley Pocket Guide: Wines of Burgundy (Mitchell Beazley Wine Guides)

Rating:
Summary: Superb, concise introduction to Burgundy wines
Review: Although Coates' "The Cote d'Or" is the indispensable (and massive) reference for Burgundy wines, Sutcliffe's pocket-size book is an excellent introduction to the subject. I'm impressed at the author's ability to be both concise and comprehensive, as well as to make her very definite opinions known. I especially appreciate her introduction to the concept of "terroir", and her descriptions of the soil in each village and appellation -- critical to understanding the character of Burgundy wine. I received my copy of this book as an end-of-tour gift from the guide who led our group of nine through Burgundy last month. She recommended it highly, and the ensuing 10 days have led me to agree with her.

Rating:
Summary: Superb, concise introduction to Burgundy wines
Review: Although Coates' "The Cote d'Or" is the indispensable (and massive) reference for Burgundy wines, Sutcliffe's pocket-size book is an excellent introduction to the subject. I'm impressed at the author's ability to be both concise and comprehensive, as well as to make her very definite opinions known. I especially appreciate her introduction to the concept of "terroir", and her descriptions of the soil in each village and appellation -- critical to understanding the character of Burgundy wine. I received my copy of this book as an end-of-tour gift from the guide who led our group of nine through Burgundy last month. She recommended it highly, and the ensuing 10 days have led me to agree with her.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Quick Burgundy Reference Book
Review: In format, this book is not dissimilar to Parker's Burgundy or Coates' Cote d'Or (i.e., listings by appellation, listing by producer, etc.). It is nowhere near as comprehensive as either of the aforementioned works (both of which I highly recommend), however, it does not try to be. It does provide succinct overviews of the major districts and producers. Serena Sutcliffe, a Master of Wine, is very knowledgeable about her subject. It is worth buying the book just to get her perspective. The greatest negative about the book is the small type. This may be personal to me, but I read wine books for enjoyment, and I find that the very small type of this book diminishes that enjoyment.

Rating:
Summary: A Good Quick Burgundy Reference Book
Review: In format, this book is not dissimilar to Parker's Burgundy or Coates' Cote d'Or (i.e., listings by appellation, listing by producer, etc.). It is nowhere near as comprehensive as either of the aforementioned works (both of which I highly recommend), however, it does not try to be. It does provide succinct overviews of the major districts and producers. Serena Sutcliffe, a Master of Wine, is very knowledgeable about her subject. It is worth buying the book just to get her perspective. The greatest negative about the book is the small type. This may be personal to me, but I read wine books for enjoyment, and I find that the very small type of this book diminishes that enjoyment.