Wines and Books: The Pleasure of Reading and the Perfect Pairing
By G. G. Jolly
Life and Writing: A Criterion of Civilization
The combination of wines and books represents one of the greatest refuges of human culture. The famous phrase attributed to Thucydides in his classical work is well-known: "The peoples of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learned to cultivate the olive and the vine." This step from basic agriculture to wine production implies a higher stage of patience, stability, and technical sophistication.
Similarly, the invention of writing marks a great civilizational leap for our species. It is not surprising to find literary vestiges of this union from Homer's Odyssey to historical biblical songs.
Wines and Books: Essential Pairings for Your Library
On the occasion of World Book Day, promoted by UNESCO, we present a curated selection. Discover great works where wine is the protagonist, accompanied by its ideal label available in our cellar.
1. The Cellar – Noah Gordon (2007)
A young man discovers in manual labor and the Catalan vine the peace that politics denied him.
Pairing: Red Wine +7 Més que set (Pinord, Penedès).
2. The Temperance – María Dueñas (2015)
Exciting adventures set during the boom of the "sherry" industry in 19th-century Cadiz.
Pairing: Amontillado Tío Diego (Valdespino).
3. Dandelion Wine – Ray Bradbury (1957)
The subtle nostalgia of childhood evoked through purely citrus and floral extracts.
Pairing: Submission Rosé (689 Cellars).
4. Sideways – Rex Pickett (2004)
A funny and introspective midlife crisis resolved among California's best vineyards.
Pairing: Pinot Noir Educated Guess.
5. The Taste – Roald Dahl (1951)
An exciting duel of bourgeois wit over the identity of a mysterious and exclusive wine.
Pairing: D de Dauzac (Bordeaux).
6. The Moon Vineyard – Carla Montero (2023)
Family secrets and betrayals in the Champagne region during the German occupation.
Pairing: Charles Heidsieck Brut Réserve.
7. Wine and War – Don & Petie Kladstrup (2001)
A historical essay on the heroic protection of French wine heritage from Nazi looting.
Pairing: Château Magnol (Haut-Médoc).
8. The Story of Wine – Hugh Johnson (1989)
An erudite and fascinating journey from ancient Anatolia to the present day.
Pairing: Oporto Ruby Reserve Sotto Voce.
9. To Drink or Not to Drink – Lawrence Osborne (2004)
A philosophical reflection on civilizational refinement, sobriety, and intoxication throughout history.
Pairing: Caiarossa Biodynamic (Tuscany).
10. What is Wine? – Béla Hamvas (1945)
A profound and mystical philosophy of wine written during the complex post-war period.
Pairing: Rüdesheim Berg Schlossberg Riesling GG.
11. I Drink, Therefore I Am – Sir Roger Scruton (2009)
Wine understood as an existential tool to bring us back to the terroir and deep reflection.
Pairing: Château Fakra (Lebanon).
Enjoying excellent wines and books at home elevates any ordinary afternoon. Find all these exclusive bottles in our online store with secure shipping throughout Mexico.
