Reading Between the Wines

"Impassioned, insistent, and inimitable, Terry Theise is America's foremost wine philosopher. Lots of writers can explain the `what' of wine. Terry, uniquely, inspires us with the `why.' I devoured Reading between the Wines; it's the single best book I've ever read on why wine matters." Karen MacNeil, author of The Wine Bible

"There is only one reason that the American wine enthusiast is now completely enamored with German and Austrian wines: Terry Theise! This glorious book not only brilliantly showcases one man's love affair with all the beauties that can flow from the bottle, but definitively makes the case for the wines that are the most superbly suited to be served with food." Charlie Trotter, chef

"If you think you know something about wine, try Terry Theise's Reading between the Wines, because, until you do, you haven't really started." Tom Stevenson, author of Sotheby's Wine Encyclopedia

"Terry Theise's humane, subtle, and engaging book illustrates the superiority of wisdom to mere knowledge. Read and be richer." Andrew Jefford, columnist for Decanter and The World of Fine Wine

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. Along the way, Theise tells us a little about how he got where he is today, explores the meaning of wine in the lives of vintners he has known, and praises particular grape varieties. Reading between the Wines is a passionate tribute to wine---and to what it can say to us once we learn to listen.

Terry Theise, winner of the James Beard Foundation Award for Outstanding Wine and Spirits Professional, is an importer of boutique wines from Germany, Austria, and Champagne. His articles have appeared in The World of Fine Wine magazine. He was Wine & Spirits magazine's Man of the Year in 2001 and Food and Wine magazine's Importer of the Year in 2006.