Red Wine Heartfelt Messages

Author: Jianxiong Zhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Among the Chinese, there has emerged a wine expert who, it is said, can identify a French wine by taste alone without opening his eyes—knowing its brand and vintage. Since reading Jianxiong’s book, I’ve added a wine cabinet to my home, and my wallet has begun to complain. But let’s be honest, coming home at night, enjoying a glass of red wine after dinner, savoring it slowly, with a good mood and sound sleep—what’s a little extra money? —— (Hamburg) Guan Yuchien, Professor at Hamburg University, renowned writer. The elders like Guan Lujun and others in Hong Kong are purists when it comes to taste. Zhang Jianxiong embraces both Eastern and Western influences. In reading Jianxiong’s "Gastronomic Wanderings," what we care about is not just the flavors but the realm his words evoke. Realm is a manifestation of culture, and it is this realm that sets apart Zhang Jianxiong’s "food appreciation" writing from the ordinary. —— (Hong Kong) Lau Sau-ming, Dean of the School of Chinese, Lingnan University, renowned writer. The greatest feature of Jianxiong’s "Wine Chronicle" is its inclusiveness and broad scope, far from being narrow-minded. Jianxiong’s book not only guides readers to seek fine wines and delicacies but also broadens horizons and dispels prejudices, even when read at home. —— (London) Qiu Xiangzhong, former Editor-in-Chief of Hong Kong’s "Ming Pao," scholar in the UK. The maturation period of high-end red wine is quite long, usually taking fifteen to twenty years to reach its prime. With proper care, it can still be exquisite even at fifty. But if one is impatient and drinks it in its budding stage, it will be as tart as an unripe apple—absolutely classic commentary. This book emphasizes the art of taste, blending infinite flavors with literary embellishment, the art of sipping wine gently. Readers can follow the guide to embark on a journey of discovering fine wines. Red wine is indeed a culture, and wine tasting is no less an art. From wine temperature and aeration to wine naming, aroma, decanting, price, wine books, bottles, glasses, storage, aging, candles, corks, wine knives, second growths, wine enthusiasts, to vintages—everything is meticulous. The author, Zhang Jianxiong, is deeply fond of red wine. He has traveled extensively to vineyards in France, tasted many fine wines, and written extensively on wine selection and tasting. This book compiles his works. The content is divided into introductory, advanced, vintage, food pairing, investment, and other sections. Those who wish to improve their red wine knowledge can read the "Advanced Section" on authentic red wine appreciation. In the "Wine Country Jargon," there are bilingual (Chinese-English-French) tables listing the collectible value and age of various vintage wines, providing a comprehensive overview and helping readers understand red wines from the 1980s and 1990s. The culture of red wine is long-standing, and readers will surely find it enriching. The book is fully color-printed with illustrations, making it a feast for the eyes. Discussing red wine from the perspective of Hong Kong’s taste and insight further enhances the legacy of the book, where literature and wine intertwine, spreading fragrance far and wide!