Finding Meaning in Wine: A US Blend

This book explores controversies in American wine culture and how they intersect with academic and cultural debates about the environment, interpretation, and winemaking. It examines debates about wine evaluation, winemakers as artists, natural wine and biodynamic farming, and how people judge what makes a wine great. It draws upon a range of writers and thinkers and includes extensive interviews with wine writers and California winemakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive exploration delves into the intricate tapestry of controversies within American wine culture, shedding light on their profound intersections with and contributions to ongoing academic and cultural debates surrounding the environment, interpretation, and the broader realm of art. Focusing specifically on the United States, the book employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon the methods employed in the study of literature and other artistic mediums to unravel the complexities of wine-making and wine culture. It delves into the spirited debates surrounding the evaluation of wine, exploring the inherent challenges posed by numerical scoring and evaluative tasting notes. Moreover, it examines the intriguing question of whether winemakers can be considered artists, shedding light on the vibrant discourse within wine culture surrounding natural wine and biodynamic farming. Additionally, the book explores the intricate ways in which individuals judge what constitutes a great wine, unraveling the interpretative commitments that underpin these judgments. These interpretive frameworks reveal an underlying metaphysics and allegiance to either a culture of reason or feeling, shaping our understanding of the world of wine.

The discussions in this book are enriched by engaging with a diverse array of writers and thinkers, including Roland Barthes, Susan Sontag, Louis Menand, Michael Pollan, Greg Garrard, John Guillory, Amitov Ghosh, Pierre Bourdieu, and Barbara Herrnstein-Smith. By drawing upon a wealth of texts produced by wine critics, wine writers, literary critics, and theorists, as well as extensive interviews with wine writers and numerous California winemakers, the book offers a unique and multifaceted perspective on wine and its profound meaning.

This book appeals to readers seeking a deeper understanding of wine from cultural, literary, and philosophical lenses. It provides a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, enriching our appreciation for this captivating beverage and its intricate connections to the world around us. Whether you are a seasoned wine connoisseur or a curious explorer, this book offers a valuable and enlightening journey into the world of American wine culture.

Weight: 312g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032505169