According to Tom, 'a combination of problems in the one year when I was supposed to be updating my Christie's World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wine (published July 2003 by Absolute Press, £35) delayed both that book and this one. When I finally finished the fizz guide, it was far too late for me to contemplate selling it. It was no one else's fault, and not only did I feel a debt to those who had submitted their wines in good faith, but also did not want to let down my readers, who expected another edition. The honourable course, and a great solution, was to update the book with notes on wines I had tasted in the meantime, and offer it for free on the web.'
The entire Guide (228 printed pages) is now available completely free, with not a string attached, on Tom Cannavan's popular UK wine site Wine Pages.
