On the grapevine:

If there is one book the wine lover in your house would like to get for Christmas it is Inside Burgundy by Jasper Morris, Master of Wine. This is a serious tome, too chock-full of information for a casual browse, but it is an essential piece of kit if you want to unravel the delights, infuriation and sheer visceral pleasure of good Burgundy. Jasper has worked in the region for 30 years and now lives there. He knows the producers, their land, the way they make their wines and he has opinions about quality that ring out with candour and justified comment. There are useful maps, an excellent introduction to the region that won't terrify the novice and an easy style that makes this enjoyable without detracting from the sheer complexity of the region. Congratulations to Jasper for writing

this comprehensive and well-presented tome, and to the wine merchant, Berry Bros. who realised that this book

needed to be published. Inside Burgundy costs 50 direct from Berry Bros, www.bbr.com or ring 0800 280 2440. Free UK delivery.

Just tasted

Mreson Petit Verdot 2007, Franschhoek, South Africa, Harrogate Fine Wine 15.99. Petit Verdot is usually blended away with Cabernet and Merlot, but this Mreson wine allows you to taste the violet-scented, deep concentrated, loganberry fruit. Distinctive and different. Score 17/20.