Acclaimed importer and wine guru Terry Theise, long known for his top-notch portfolio and his illustrious writing, now offers this opinionated, idiosyncratic, and beautifully written testament to wine. What constitutes beauty in wine, and how do we appreciate it? What role does wine play in a soulful, sensual life? Can wines of place survive in a world of globalized styles and 100-point scoring systems? In his highly approachable style, Theise describes how wine can be a portal to aesthetic, emotional, even mystical experience—and he frankly asserts that these experiences are most likely to be inspired by wines from artisan producers.
The author’s passion for Old World wines really comes through,and he definitely made me want to try more wines from the regions he talks about. That said, I’m not sure I, or many other readers,will ever have the powerful emotional response to wine that he does. I’m glad I read it though. I learned some things and I may think about wine a little differently now.
An outstanding book about living an aesthetic life. As much philosophy as wine. Terry is inspirational, educational and irrelevant. Off to read his next book and drink his imports.
A good read that comes with its prejudices. In the beginning he seems to espouse an open view of opinions that everyone has different tastes and the right to their own views on wines, but then seems to belittle those that see things differently from him. This seems to disappear as he gets going and he does a fine job of describing the wine business and the wonders of the wines that he loves. He clearly has a passion for the wines he has added to his portfolio and indeed they are good wines to taste and enjoy. He looks to show that wine is more than just a drink, rather an experience that includes physical, emotional and spiritual characteristics. A fun read, even better with a glass or two of one of the wines.