The Louis Roederer award for International Wine Book 2010 goes to the “Champagne writer with a soul” – Michael Edwards

As publishing editor of Connoisseur Magazine I am very pleased to advise that our Wine Editor and Champagne expert above all – Michael Edwards has won the prestigious Louis Roederer award for International Wine Book 2010 for his recent book “The Finest Wines of Champagne”, which we covered in a previous edition of Connoisseur Magazine.  

Among the panel of six judges was Tom Stevenson, renowned Champagne expert and the original writer of three Champagne guides. Michael’s book was one of a shortlist of four books, all strong contenders for the award. The others shortlisted were, from the same publisher, “The Finest Wines of Tuscany and Central Italy” by Nicholas Belfrage MW; “What Price Bordeaux” by Benjamin Lewin MW and “The Great Domaines of Burgundy” by Remington Norman MW and Charles Taylor MW. Chairman of the judges, Charles Metcalfe introduced the awards which were presented by the head of Champagne Louis Roederer, Frédéric Rouzaud.

Michael used to be a restaurant inspector, but for the past 20 years he has focused on wine writing, and as one of the judges said  “we chose him because, quite simply, he writes like a dream.” The book is an in depth study of the region, the wine with a special focus on the colourful Champagne producers, with around 100 profiles that include a mix of famous names along with some excellent smaller Champagne growers that Michael supports and recommends.

I had the privilege to regularly discuss the book in process and know how he struggled to capture the insiders view, in a social and historical complex, imbuing the true flavour of the region and "its industrious and commercially adroit commercants par excellence" and passionate winemakers, rather than regurgitate clinical and sterile tasting notes.

As Editor of Connoisseur Magazine, I am especially pleased for Michael as we supported and encouraged him in his project, and we are pleased that he continues to find time to edit the wine section of Connoisseur Magazine!

(You can read the complete list of the Louis Roederer 2010 International Wine Writers’ Awards, on their dedicated competition website.)

And once again, thank you and congratulations to Michael for being such an interesting Champagne writer!

Michael’s book along with other selected books, is available from Waterstones (please keep them on their toes and ensure it is in stock over Christmas), Independents and through Amazon.

Posted by Axel Ritenis
Connoisseur Magazine