Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroirs of the Iconic Region

There are several great books on the Champagne region, but this is the first comprehensive book to step into the modern era. New techniques, new controversies, new faces, and a new, deeper understanding of classic ideals abound in today's Champagne, and Peter Liem is the first author to document the region's evolution. This is book is not a dry recitation of vintage reports and bottles you'll never see, but a snap shot of what is happening among the people that make champagne what it is right now. Not only that, but classic notions, such as terrior, are examined with fresh eyes and a goal to truly understand what makes them special beyond mere legend.Also, the packaging on this volume is outstanding. A map drawer was a brilliant idea. The production value is higher than the medium-range price suggests, with thick paper stock and lush full color photographs.In conclusion, Peter Liem has made this generation's go-to book on Champagne. Any person interested in champagne should have it on their coffee table, and every single sommelier should consider this an absolute must-buy.

If you're familiar with Peter Liem's recent book "Sherry, Manzanilla & Montilla," you will come to this new tome, "Champagne," with high expectations. Let's just say "expectations met, and then some." In his typically no-nonsense style, Liem presents a history of winemaking in the region and a detailed review of the terroir in each of the subregions of Champagne. There is a thoughtful discussion of the merits of blended and single site champagne; the ongoing trend to "grower Champagne" production; climate change and increasingly warm Champagne vintages; the prudent use of dosage, still Coteaux Champenois... the book touches all the bases. The second half of the text consists of brief profiles of scores of the key Champagne houses and growers.and their wines.In a separate section of the slipcase holding the book itself, there is a treasure worth the price of the entire package and then some - a set of nice reproductions of the Larmat maps of Champagne and its subregions. These are rare as hen's teeth, beautiful to behold and extremely informative. Try to find a set of originals from a rare book seller specializing in books and maps on wine: if you can find these maps at all, they will cost a king's ransom. Unless reproductions just won't do and you simply must have the originals, you can stop your search right here.Short form review: this "boxed book and map set" is a must have and a great value. Do not hesitate.

Four and-a-half stars, actually. This volume provides a granular look at the many and varied terroirs of Champagne while addressing the effects that soil, exposition, and climate can have on finished wines. Commentary is based on the author's intimate, first-hand knowledge of the area and its winemakers. The book is neither a guide nor an assemblage of tasting notes. It is aimed at readers already familiar with Champagne, or at least wine, and provides a degree of depth and detail that, so far as I'm aware, is not presently available from any other source (at least not in English). Thoroughly recommended. Although illustrated, the bulk of photographs have little to do with the accompanying text (they are not even captioned) and constitute little more than pretty pictures. In my view, an opportunity to depict and clarify the substance of the text has been lost. In addition, while I recognize that this was never intended to be a manual for how to make Champagne, the "How Champagne is Made" chapter is a bit skimpy. For example, there is no discussion of the use of sulfur. (The only mention of that element is in regard to the definition of "sans-soufre" contained in the glossary.) I'm willing to bet that many of the producers profiled here have some strong feelings about its use. Notwithstanding some quibbles, a must-read for those seriously interested in the subject.

All I can say is “amazing” to describe this book and the maps included with this tome. Peter Liem has long been known as an authority on Champagne and has Champagneguide.net with tons of information about Champagne. This book outdoes itself in providing not only information but also maps so that one can really immerse oneself in the study of Champagne. A must have for anyone interested in learning more about Champagne.

This book is epic. For someone studying for the WSET or Court of Master exams this is your go to book for Champagne. We need a book like this for every other wine region.

I haven't finished the book yet, but honestly I was so impressed with the presentation that I could've given it five stars before I ever even read a page. This is a GORGEOUS work of art. The text is great so far..

One of the most detailed and well thought out champagne books out there. I'm absolutely in love with this book

With Essi Avellans book Champagne a guide and. Peter Liems book Champagne with maps of Champagne you have the best of books on Champagne

This is an up-to-date major book on champagne. Published this year (2017), it covers terroir and the producers, aspects of which can be found in other books on this wine (and there have been many such books). Peter Liem's stands out for the following reasons: First, it is very lucid and enjoyable to read; the beginner will find Part One (Understanding Champagne) a great help whereas the experienced champagne lover will still find some useful information that he might not have known before.Secondly, Parts two and three which deal with the places and the producers are extremely concise and informative. Liem explains what changes have occurred in the champagne region in the 20th century, and how the new generation of growers and winemakers have transformed champagne's identity as a wine.Thirdly, the publisher's layout and the photographs selected give this book an atmosphere that differs from the others. It is a strange atmosphere in which one feels that he is in the old country in a by-gone age; yet the information, the people, and the champagne as fresh as the most recent vintage.Fourthly, the book comes in a box in which there is a bottom drawer containing the seven maps of Louis Larmat. These are reprints of Larmat's original 1940 drawings. It is amazing that we are treated to a reprint of these famous maps; more importantly, Liem tells us that these maps have helped him find his way around the champagne region.

An excellent read, even for those who feel they understand the subject, with a lot of recent thinking and a perspective that suggests a very deep understanding both of thee region and its growers/producers. Very easy to read and follow, unlike some other tomes on the subject, the analysis of some of the key growers is worth the price alone and included most of the names I would have expected to find, with a welcome emphasis on the smaller growers/makers. There's also an individual and original approach (eg to the definition of the various regions of champagne) that I thought very well thought out and which quite significantly matched my own impressions. I would see this book as an absolute must for any lover of this region.

Bought this as a gift for someone who is definitely a wine and champagne connoisseur so I was a little nervous about this book. Happily the maps and apparently the content went down well and I've been told it's a good read. It's visually great too and the box is very smart.

Bought as a present for my buddy who's a wine aficionado. He was very happy with this book and is actually going to frame the maps that accompany the book, which were lovely. Would recommend for any champagne or wine fans

You can safely buy this book as a gift for any champagne lover.