From Publishers Weekly
Barr is a British wine writer known for his spats with the ostensibly genteel wine trade; when the original Wine Snobbery was published in England in 1988, one wine critic sued him for libel11 . In this new version amended for the U.S., Barr opens by explaining precisely why American wine lovers are philistines. They vastly prefer white wine--vastly inferior to red--and a kind of bastard white wine at that, white zinfandel. But no wonder Americans don't know quality--their palates are destroyed by a love for "sweet, fizzy drinks,"33 which they always drink ice-cold. Wine drinkers aren't the only ones to feel Barr's wrath. He hates most experts (one chapter is entitled "Wine Tastings Are Bunk"). He claims that many wine reviewers are corrupt, and lists several offenders by name. He writes that wine in restaurants is usually served by staff who are ignorant and stupid43 , and is "absurdly expensive." The casual reader's eyes may glaze over when Barr turns from entertaining harangues to detailed arguments about the technicalities of wine-making (vat elimination, anti-rot sprays). And those looking for a guide to wine appreciation will have to dig hard for concrete, serviceable bits of information.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Exploring the history and current status of wine production, marketing, and drinking, Barr concentrates primarily on the United States, Britain, and France. A British wine writer, he seems particularly to enjoy comparison of British and American tastes, trade publications, and wine management in restaurants. His tone occasionally smacks of high-handed muckraking. However, his extensive research and critical approach provide unusual insight and considerable detail not found elsewhere. Even those who differ with Barr's conclusions should agree that he offers a unique, often uncomplimentary perspective on the world of wine as it has developed and pretty much as it is today. His book will interest and sometimes aggravate serious wine enthusiasts and professionals.
- Carolyn Alexander, Technical Information Ctr., Ft. Hunter Liggett, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can make it available as an eBook on Amazon.com. Learn more

I own it Not rated Your rating Don't like it < > I love it! Save your rating    ? 1 2 3 4 5

There are no customer reviews yet.
Video reviews New feature! Amazon now allows customers to upload product video reviews. Use a webcam or video camera to record and upload reviews to Amazon.

• Cooking, Food & Wine >