Languedoc-Roussillon: The Wines and Wine Makers (Hardcover)

by Paul Strang (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The renaissance of the Languedoc-Roussillon, one of France's oldest wine regions, has been arguably the most exciting development in the wine world in the last twenty years. Languedoc-Roussillon: The Wines and Winemakers is the first book to explore the terroir, traditions, wine-making practices, laws, and, most importantly, the wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon. Paul Strang identifies each of this dynamic region's key wine-producing areas, explores their winemaking and then profiles their finest producers and their wines. For each area, maps and photographs show the landscape, while sidebars offer information about climate, soil, and grapes. Equally detailed accounts of each significant producer's property - including number of hectares in production, grapes planted, and wines produced - will be invaluable for anyone who enjoys the wines of this region. As the only illustrated guide devoted entirely to this region Languedoc-Roussillon: The Wines and Winemakers will be the leading authority.

About the Author
Paul Strang is recognized as one of the leading experts on the wines of the South of France, where he has had a home for many years. His first book, Wines of South-West France, was shortlisted for Drink Book of the Year in the Glenfiddich Awards (1994). His second book, Take 5000 Eggs, a book on the markets of southern France, was shortlisted for Food Book of the Year at the same awards (1997). He divides his time between London and France. Jason Shenai has worked as a freelance photographer for the past twenty years, with a wide variety of clients including the Observer and Telegraph magazines. Jason worked with Paul Strang on Take 5000 Eggs. He is the founder and director of Millennium Image Ltd, which promotes and sells contemporary photography. He lives in London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley (November 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1840005009
• ISBN-13: 978-1840005004
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #364,950 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent guide to the wines of the Languedoc, February 14, 2005

By	Pauillac (Tokyo, Japan) - See all my reviews

It is rare to find a book devoted to the Languedoc Rousillon region, and rarer to find one devoted to that region's wines. Paul Strang does a great job of explaining the recent changes in the Languedoc wine industry and focuses on the pioneers of excellence in a region known more for its bulk table wine. His commentary is interesting and enlightening. His reviews and simple rating and pricing guides for the top wines of selected producers are easy to understand. His recommendations are rarely disappointing. On a recent tour of the region this book was invaluable. Discovering new producers, different grape varieties and interesting, often excellent wines, made the visit more enjoyable. In a region that produces thousands of different labels of varying quality, this book will help you to avoid disappointment in buying and enjoying Languedoc wines.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars finally a book is wonderful wine region, November 19, 2002

By	Nate (Phoenix, AZ) - See all my reviews

For years I have been searching for wine from this region, as the quality is amazing virus the amount that you have to spend. Paul Strang's book clued me into the politics of the region from the Greek and Roman times to now. It was during the Roman times that the natives of Languedoc were known for their "proverbial drunkeness." After reading this, not only do I understand this region better and am planning on visiting as soon as I can, but I am also a much more informed wine consumer. Forget the overpriced Bordeaux's, Paul guides you through some of the best wine for the dollar.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nepotism, July 5, 2004

By	Anthony Hawley (Saffron Walden, Essex United Kingdom) - See all my reviews

I think I was the partner of Paul Strong/Strang in his law firm in London. Our partnership meetings, or more correctly dinners, convinced me that here was a man who is so multi talented, that I was embarrassed to be his partner. Although, as memory serves me, he poured more gin than wine down my eager, but inexperienced throat, even some 30 years ago I knew that he was a 'professional' in the region of France that he loved. This region is to the west of the Languedoc-Roussillion area where I have had a home for 12 years, but his analysis of the local wines is 'spot-on' and any newcomer to our area needs to heed his advice. He covers many of the vineyards that I have found, faut de mieux, and I think he understands how the local vigneron are struggling, in this competitive market, to exploit the huge advantages they have in climate, terroir, and centuries of experience, brought up-to-date by modern wine-making expertise from all over the world,both old and new.