Hardcover: 132 pages; published by: Miller Distributors; language English; ISBN: 9993286117; product dimensions: 9.1 x 11 inches, full colour with jacket; retail price: Lm9.95

While the first wines of the freshest vintage were being released, the long-awaited publication Wines of Malta – The Essential Guide was being rolled off the presses and is now available from all leading bookshops in Malta and Gozo.

This hardbound book is the first ever publication of its kind that unravels the colourful tapestry that is the Maltese wine industry today. Here for the first time is a unique publication that explains how the very recent viticulture revival in Malta has brought forth a wave of new quality wines.

Wine writer Georges Meekers takes the reader on his personal journey to search out millenarian winemaking traditions undergoing a veritable turnaround never seen before in the history of the Maltese winemakers’ craft. Meekers has put on his gumboots and trailed the grape from the vine to the tasting room in search of the latest news about the personal endeavours of the island’s major winemakers. Along the way he shares with us an entertaining array of characters and scenes that represent the inseparable bond between Maltese culture and its most venerated drink.

In this definitive wine guide, the author recounts the vision of men who are forging a growing respect on the international wine scene for the wines of Malta, which are capturing the attention of a widening circle of buyers, distributors and wine stewards.

Georges Meekers crystallises his thoughts on Malta grown wines made from indigenous and international grape varieties. He discusses every grape variety and the different types of Maltese wine the wine drinker is likely to encounter, as well as what “makes each wine tick”. In fact, those who know author and wine lecturer George Meekers will recognise his inimitable style and amicable attitude of “let’s open a bottle…” He readily shares his wine knowledge and over 10 years of tasting Maltese wines spiced with his professional yet down-to-earth wine criticism.

This lively illustrated publication is a uniquely intoxicating journey through Malta’s diverse “vinescapes” and wines. It comes complete with Meekers’ wine tasting cues, wine to glass matches, serving tips and references to further reading and winery visits. The stunning photography was done by photographer Kevin Casha and makes turning pages a pleasure from cover to cover.

Wines of Malta – The

Essential Guide by George Meekers brings the fresh taste of Malta’s vinous offering as intimately as possible to the lips of the reader. It’s Maltese wine’s best ambassador yet.