The New Zealand Wine-lover's Companion is a delightful and witty insight into the esoteric language that surrounds wine. This A-to-Z guide offers an informative and entertaining summary of the puzzling references that are often encountered in wine articles and reviews, wine shops or wineries, on labels or in conversation.

From grape varieties and winemaking techniques to the terminology used to articulate the subtle attributes of wines, this handy primer will demystify the language of wine and enhance the experience of wine-drinking. Although written for a New Zealand audience, it is international in scope, covering other wine countries and their significant wine styles.

Entertaining as well as informative, it includes offbeat anecdotes such as the entry for Bond, James, which explains why he switched from Taittinger to Bollinger. The New Zealand Wine-lover's Companion is a compact reference, a good read and an ideal gift.

About the Author:

Karl du Fresne has been a wine columnist for NZ House & Garden, Wellington's Evening Post and the Sunday Star-Times colour magazine. He has also written on wine for Cuisine, the Dominion Post and National Business Review. Former editor of the Dominion, Karl du Fresne now works as a freelance journalist from his home in the Wairarapa.