Book Reviews: The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste

Don’t be put off by the ‘S’ word: The Sommelier’s Atlas of Taste is no hoity-toity wine bible preaching to the converted. Far from beating readers over the head with jargon and the usual tsunami of appellations, this refreshing field guide takes elite quaffers and keen novices on a heady journey of discovery through Europe’s vineyards and top cellars – pulling off a fine balancing act between informative and accessible (though never dumbed-down).

Drawing on decades of tasting nous, experts Rajat Parr and Jordan Mackay share nifty dégustation notes, run through cutting-edge trends, break down Europe’s wine regions and terroirs, and throw in their little black book of unmissable domaines too – perfect to awaken the palates of would-be sommeliers and hobbyists alike. Although treading beyond the sweeping vignobles of la belle France, with more than 200 pages dedicated to the Hexagon this is the ultimate bedside book for French-leaning oenophiles.