Victoria Moore : Wine books for Christmas gifts. Illustrated by Simone Massoni

Simone MassoniIllustration
Written By Dutch Uncle

The New French Wine

amazon.com/New-French-Wine-Two-Book-Boxed/dp/1607749238

American writer Jon Bonné spent eight years crafting "The New French Wine," a comprehensive guide that explores the ever-evolving landscape of French wine. Bonné's insightful narrative delves into the transformation happening in Champagne, the ascent of St. Joseph in the Rhône, and the surge in organic farming, highlighting the dynamism within French winemaking. While priced around £100, this substantial, two-volume work spans 850 pages. One volume narrates the story, while the other serves as a reference for producers. Ideal for French wine enthusiasts, it's a perfect addition to your Christmas wish list, promising to reshape your understanding of French wine.

Vines in a Cold Climate: The People Behind the English Wine Revolution

amazon.co.uk/Vines-Cold-Climate-English-Revolution/dp/1838956654

For those curious about English vineyards, consider "Vines in a Cold Climate: The People Behind the English Wine Revolution" by Henry Jeffreys. This engaging and historically rich exploration of English wine, priced at a more accessible £16.99, offers witty character sketches and a lively account of the industry's journey.

Story Of Wine: 8,000 Years, 100 Bottles

amazon.com/Oz-Clarkes-Story-Wine-Bottles/dp/B0CDQCN7JN

Renowned wine expert Oz Clarke's "Story Of Wine: 8,000 Years, 100 Bottles" (Pavilion, £30) provides an enchanting perspective on wine's history through the lens of 100 bottles. Clarke's storytelling prowess shines, making this reissued title a must-have for wine enthusiasts.

The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide: One Hundred and Fifty Years from 1870 to 2020

amazon.com/Complete-Bordeaux-Vintage-Guide-Years/dp/1787139808

For Bordeaux aficionados, Neal Martin's "The Complete Bordeaux Vintage Guide: One Hundred and Fifty Years from 1870 to 2020" (Quadrille, £35) is an essential reference. Delve deeper into Bordeaux with "From Bordeaux to the Stars: The Reawakening of a Wine Legend" by Jean-Michel Cazes (Academie du Vin, £35), offering a captivating memoir filled with historical insights.

Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud

amazon.com/Vintage-Crime-Short-History-Fraud/dp/0520385934

Rebecca Gibb's "Vintage Crime: A Short History of Wine Fraud" (University of California Press, £25) sheds light on intriguing wine-related tales, although it missed the recent Rudy Kurniawan story about counterfeit wine tastings.

Wine Recommendations

  • Pierre Jaurant French Fitou 2022 from Aldi (£6.99) for an affordable, plummy red.

  • Ch Liversan Haut-Médoc 2015 at Waitrose for £10

  • Magnum of Quinta do Noval Colheita Single Harvest Tawny Port 2009 from The Wine Society (£130), a remarkable choice with a medley of flavors, perfect for festive occasions.

Dutch Uncle

Dutch Uncle is an award-winning international illustration and animation agency founded in 2006 by Helen Cowley. With offices in London, New York, and Tokyo, we operate across every major timezone, connecting the world's most ambitious brands with exceptional global creative talent.

Over nearly two decades, Dutch Uncle have built one of the most decorated artist rosters in the industry. Our artists have produced Gold Clio and Cannes Lions award-winning work for clients spanning fashion, luxury, fintech, tech, healthcare, and publishing. We have collaborated on prestige illustration and animation projects for global leaders, including Hermès, Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Rimowa, as well as Apple, Google, Mercedes, Netflix, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, The New York Times.

We represent illustrators and animation directors who lead their fields in conceptual thinking, visual intelligence, and craft. Artists whose work cuts through algorithmic sameness to deliver genuine cultural impact.

Beyond our core roster, we also draw on an international network of talent across five continents to meet the scale and complexity of any brief.

Dutch Uncle operates as a full-service creative production partner, managing everything from artist sourcing and briefing through to licensing, copyright, animation production, and final delivery.

We specialise in complex, multi-market projects that demand creative precision and seamless execution. Whether that is a single editorial commission, a suite of high-impact social media assets, or a global animated campaign.

For nearly twenty years, the world's leading agencies, publishers, cultural institutions, and brands have trusted us to bring their most ambitious work to life.

https://www.dutchuncle.co.uk
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