Last updated 09:27, Saturday, 06 September 2008

WINE expert Oz Clarke can come across OTT on television, but this is man who definitely knows what he is talking and drinking about.

He has been on our screens sipping, slurping and swilling wine for around 20 years and a new BBC2 series with Top Gear star James May is due to be broadcast in the New Year.

But this week, his latest Pocket Wine Book Guide was released (Anova, £9.99).

It may be pocket-sized, but it has all the info an amateur wine buff – or just someone keen on trying different wines – needs.

He writes in a straightforward manner and doesn’t pull any punches.

It uses a simple ratings system and talks you through the different grapes and styles as though your are interested, rather than an idiot.

There are more than 1,600 entries, 7,000 wines and 4,000 producers in the 350-page A-Z guide.

He explains the jargon that the industry loves to use, which wines are the best partners for which foods, which are the best vintages and lists his own favourite wines.

Highly recommended.