I find wine fascinating, particularly Italian wines. I’m familiar with some of the big names – Soave, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Chianti – who isn’t? But I’d just love to sound a bit more informed when at dinner with some of my posher friends (yes I am that shallow). The problem is remembering all those wine names, and what part of Italy they’re from, not to mention the grapes involved. I suppose I could try just drinking more, but I’m not sure my liver could take it, and would I remember the names the next day anyway? Somehow I doubt it.

So how excited was I to discover this Wines of Italy Jigsaw, from Ginger Fox? It’s a fabulous map of Italy featuring the different wine-producing regions. The grapes grown in those regions and the famous wines are shown on the map too. As it’s a 1000 piece jigsaw, I’m confident that all that wine knowledge will be etched on my brain by the time I’ve completed it (which should be by Christmas at my current speed, but hey what’s the hurry?) Such a clever idea. I’ve just completed the Liguria region – so ask me anything you like about Barolo, Asti and Barbaresco and you will be impressed. The jigsaw also includes a fun fact sheet about Italian wines too – did you know that Italy has somewhere between 377 and 2000 different grape varieties – higher than any other country?

I’m considering an advanced game, which involves drinking the wines from the relevant region whilst completing that part of the jigsaw – only in the interests of research of course.

Thank you Ginger Fox – such a brilliant game and what an excellent Christmas present for the wine lovers in your life? Just £16.19 from Ginger Fox website.

By Dr K Thompson, author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q

http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.