Making more of wine

Press, 4 March 1989, Page 23

Making more of wine

How To Enjoy Your Wine. By Hugh Johnson. Pan, 1988. 144 pp. $19.99. Hugh Johnson, a British television presenter and author of winelore, adds to the abundance of wine books with his paperback edition of a publication that first came out in 1985; but he goes further than some rivals in the “introduction to wine” class. His book’s strength lies in its chapters on opening, storing, decanting, and serving wines. He has a clear and relaxed style of writing and complements the text with plenty of illustrations. Like many competitors in the field, Johnson’s book does not go into great depth on

his subjects but he writes with authority, practicality, conviction, and a touch of humour. Like most wine buffs, he has definite opinions. Contrary to the view of Frank Thorpy, the author of "Wine In New Zealand,” and others, Johnson supports a Bordeaux convention of matching Sauternes with foie gras or, perhaps, Roquefort cheese, instead of with fruit and pastries. His book provides useful tips to making the most of wine or to making the biggest impression. He is light on information in some areas, but offers an interesting European perspective that complements the efforts of his competitors.