Wonderful World of Wine

About the Book

A wine book for the beginner that will help you to understand the history of wines. You will learn about wine trivia. You will learn about the most popular regions where wines are made. You will learn the correct pronunciation of various wines. You will learn how to select and serve wines. You will learn how to select wines in restaurants.

There are many tales and legends about wine that go back before the time of Christ. The history of wine is deeply rooted in traditions, customs and the souls of people. Alberto Savinio once stated, "Tell us your history through wine."

Twelve centuries ago, Charlemagne stood where the Rhine turns west, glanced across the snowy slopes that glistened in the spring sunlight, sights one patch that was bare and said, "Secure the heights and set a vineyard where the ground is clear," and it was done.

The castle of Johannesberg is just one of many stories compiled in this book, there are many such tales, some are true, some are fascinating and some are hard to believe.

So with this in mind, this book was written to add a little more enjoyment and perhaps bring a smile to ones' faces as they sip wine with a legend or tale related to its tradition and winemaking history.

About the Author

The author is a decorated veteran of World War II having served with the 5th Air Force, 3rd Bomb Group, 13th Squadron in the Pacific area joining his group in Australia in 1942, then through New Guinea, many islands in the Philippines, Okinawa, and finally landing in Japan with the first Americans to occupy Japan, four days before the surrender signing on September 2, 1945, returning to be discharged from the Air Corps on December 23, 1945. Robert Quinlan began his career in the wines in the early 1950's while accepting a position with Ernest & Julio Wine Company of Modesto, California. It was here that Bob had the opportunity to walk the vast vineyards by day, absorbing row after row of fragrant ripening grapes, while nightfall offered an exploration of extensive cellars containing vats of aging wine waiting to be bottled.

As the fragrant grapes had permeated Bob's senses on that first vineyard walk, it was the beginning of his long love affair with wine. Reading and studying everything possible about wines, Bob traveled to vineyards in France, Germany, Romania, Italy and other areas throughout the world where he was fortunate to have sampled some of the finest wines available. Bob's quest for knowledge and his desire to impassion others, led him to pioneer wine tastings in his hometown of Rochester, New York. Backed by local liquor stores, weekly regional wine tastings became newsworthy as the place to be...and be seen.

After nine years with the Gallo, Bob was approached by Monsieur Henry Imported Wine Company, then independently owned by the Feinberg family, to take a position as State Manager. This served to further his commitment and passion in the knowledge of wines earning him the respect of his fellow aficionados and connoisseurs.

In 1972 when Monsieur Henry became a Division of Pepsico Company, Bob was promoted to the position of Division Manager where he held the position until his retirement in 1986.

Reevaluating the allure of his retirement, Bob soon found himself accepting numerous speaking engagements and seminars, finding much joy in sharing his vast knowledge with impassioned like minded people.

To this day he can be found heading up a wine tasting be it local or abro...a "California Cabernet or a Chateau Mouton Rothschild 1945 it matters not, for there ia a wine to suit every discriminating taste".

Table of Contents and Introduction

Table of Contents:

I. Learn by Tasting

II. Wine Faults

III. Some Key Words to Describe Wine

IV. Serving Wine

V. Wine and Food

VI. Ordering in Restaurants

INTRODUCTION

There are many tales and legends about wine that go back before the time of Christ. The history of wine is deeply rooted in traditions, customs and the souls of people. Alberto Savinio once stated, "Tell us your history through your wine."

Twelve centuries ago, Charlemagne stood where the Rhine turns west, glanced across the snowy slopes that glistened in the spring sunlight, sighted one patch that was bare and said, "Secure the heights and set a vineyard where the ground is clear," and it was done.

The castle of Johannisberg was built above the vineyard, and ever since, Schloss Johnannisberg wines have carried the legend around the world. While the legend of Johannisberg is just one of the many stories compiled in this book, there are many such tales, some are true, some are fascinating and some are hard to believe.

So with this in mind, this book was published to add a little more enjoyment and perhaps bring a smile to one's face as they sip a wine with a legend or tale related to its tradition and winemaking history.

Robert T. Quinlan