My guest this week is…
Master of Wine Benjamin Lewin & his new book “Wine Myths and Reality.”
Benjamin brings a unique combination of qualifications in wine and science to bear on the world of wine. His position as one of only 300 Masters of Wine attests to his deep knowledge of wine, and his former position as founding Editor of the leading scientific journal, Cell, emphasizes his critical insights. His previous book, What Price Bordeaux?, received worldwide critical acclaim for its innovative approach, and was shortlisted for the prestigious André Simon wine book award. Lewin also writes for Decanter magazine. He divides his time between the eastern United States and the wine-growing regions of Europe, and is presently working on his next book, In Search of Pinot Noir.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Is wine an artisanal creation or industrial product? Wine Myths and Reality goes behind the scenes of winemaking to reveal the truth about what goes into a bottle of wine. Extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, and charts, its approachable and entertaining style immediately engages the reader in the wine universe. Panoramic in its scope, magisterial in its treatment, and meticulous in its research, Wine Myths and Reality explodes the world of wine. From monks treading grapes in the middle ages to the latest research into grapevine DNA, this compelling book presents the authoritative account of how wine is really made. Practices in viticulture and vinification come under the microscope, the tricks of the wine trade are revealed, the methods of the new and the old worlds are scrutinized, and their wines are discussed. An overview of all major wine-producing countries extends from the powerful wines of the new world to the classic wines of France or Italy. Does terroir really matter? Is the international style taking over? Will global warming destroy the existing wine-producing regions? And extrapolating from current trends, what will wine be like in the next decade?
The Good Life Guy Wine of the Week:
2008 Robert Mondavi Riesling
Produced entirely from grapes grown in Monterey County, along California’s cool Central Coast. An especially rich, full bodied rendition of the noble Riesling varietal, it exudes fresh honeysuckle, ripe peach, citrus blossom, and baking spice aromas with mouth filling, honeyed peach, ripe yellow apple, and kiwi fruit flavors.