The Wines of Greece

For those who have read and delighted in Miles Lambert-Gocs' fine book 'GREEK SALAD', this fascinating epicurian/enophilic/geographic/historic survey of Greece is a must read. Published in 1990 (and hopefully to be re-released in the future) this fine book proves once again that Lambert-Gocs not only knows his wines, but he also knows and understands how to share the idiosyncrasies of a country that begs the reader's appetite for more. Lambert-Gocs opens his fine volume with an Introduction that is both informative and a tasty aperitif for what is to follow. Here is a brief history of Greece as it pertains to the subject of wines, and with the history is a sociological/political/economic investigation as to the performance of Greek wines on today's commercial market. The author then travels with us, his warmly regarded companions, to all the various regions of Greece, explaining the geography of each and how that influences the grapes grown and the method of wine making. Each of these 'whistle stops' include 'Gastronomic Notes', and 'Classical Reflections' - sections which bring the less sophisticated enophile into the field with information about a country the author obviously loves. One particular chapter meits special mention: Chapter 8 discusses in depth the 'Retsina' mystery of Greek wines. Long a fascination for wine lovers, this diffusion of the resin from certain pines (in a process which Lambert-Gocs understands well) into the wines of the region is peculiar to Greece. After reading this chapter the reader is eager to try the secret magic! The writing of the book flows beautifully and is accompanied by maps of the regions discussed, and appendices such as 'Concerning Wine and the Greeks during Antiquity' and a fine 'Lexicon' for those who thirst to understand the Greek terms for nose, flavor and savour of wine. This is a superb book, a bit difficult to find, but one that belongs in the library of every serious traveler and lover of wine. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, June 06