Jo Burzynska's Wine Class: All you need to know about wine in New Zealand (Random House, pbk, $40) is essential reading for anyone who wants to discover the delights, complexities, mysteries and joys of wine, or brush up on the difference between a chardonnay and a chenin or what type of food to match with a vibrant sauvignon or brooding cabernet.
Or for those who just want to impress their friends with their wine knowledge, although, despite her depth of knowledge, there's nothing uppity about Burzynska's style.
She explains in a lively easy-to-read manner about grape varieties, regions and wine-making processes, and gives information about selecting, storing and of course how to serve wine. While the focus is on New Zealand wine regions, there's also information on wines from Australia and further afield.
What is particularly useful for those wanting to explore the world of wine are her numerous suggestions of wines to taste and compare to discover what she is talking about. Wine-tasting with friends is fun as well as educational and if you've never done it, there's plenty of information here as well.
There are recommended wine retailers who are able to give advice - in the South they include Munslow's, Castle Macadam and Meenans in Dunedin, Wine Tastes in Queenstown and Wanaka Fine Wines, and several E-tailers who specialise in various types of wine.
Burzynska, originally from Britain, fell for New Zealand's landscapes, people, lifestyle and wine on a wine trip to the country some years ago. Having always wanted to live in a wine-producing country, she moved here about five and a-half years ago, choosing Canterbury because she likes the dry climate and the scenery.
The youthful and dynamic New Zealand wine industry gives her much to write about, both here and internationally, she says.
