These are a few of Fred Sirieix’s favourite things about the British.

Ever since he boarded a P&O ferry bound for Dover with a one-way ticket and just two suitcases, this Frenchman has fallen head over heels for the UK.

Seriously British is his love letter to the country’s food, landscapes, culture, food and drink (yes, a sparkling white wine from Cornwall can be as crisp and delicious as a French champagne). Full of personal insight, fascinating history and hilarious stories, this is a book that celebrates all the great things about our unique country.

‘Moving here was the best decision I have ever made. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité is still dear to my heart, but so is my personal motto: learn forever, enjoy life and make a difference. I’ve got Britain to thank for that.’

This is what (a lot of) the French think about the UK:

the food is bland and boring
the wine is undrinkable
it’s always raining and grey
the British don’t have sex
they’re meek, mild and reserved
they’ve got no sense of style
they’re arrogant

And anyway, who would want to swap a juicy steak au poivre for deep fried cod and chips?

Fred Sirieix would. Ever since he boarded a P&O ferry bound for Dover with a one-way ticket and just two suitcases, he has been in love with the UK. Working as a waiter at the famous three-Michelin-starred restaurant La Tante Claire in Chelsea aged just 20, he learned English, met people from all walks of life, and went dancing until dawn. It was glorious madness. His appetite for life propelled him to sample everything this country could offer: culture, travel, drink and food? always food.

From the pastel-coloured beach huts on the Southwold Promenade to the coast of Oban; from stumbling across Stonehenge to strolling past St Paul’s Cathedral; from the explosive first taste of salt and vinegar crisps to being introduced to Indian curries; and from deciphering regional expressions to loving a woman say ‘je t’aime’ like Jane Birkin – this is Fred’s mission to debunking French myths about the Brits.

‘Moving here was the best decision I have ever made. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité is still dear to my heart, but so is my personal motto: learn forever, enjoy life and make a difference. I’ve got Britain to thank for that.’

Knowing the difference between all those bottles on the supermarket shelves will double the pleasure you get from a glass of wine and, with Fred Sirieix as your guide, you’ll discover how to get the flavour you want.

In Wine Uncorked, Fred decants a career’s worth of expertise, revealing how everything from percentage to vintage impacts what ends up in your glass, how to decipher a label and the optimum temperatures for serving. He then takes you on a tour of the regions, showing you how the landscape and climate work their magic on the wine produced around the world, highlighting key producers to suit all budgets along the way.

If you have ever said, ‘I wish I knew more about wine,’ this is the book for you.