Liquid Memory: Why Wine Matters

Jonathan Nossiter, an award-winning filmmaker and former sommelier, examines wine as a form of liquid memory in this investigation of taste and power. His first encounter with the beverage occurred at age three in Paris, when his father offered him a drop from his fingertip. This personal history frames his broader critique of the industry's exclusivity. Nossiter argues that snobs, critics, and charlatans enforce a tyranny that blocks democratic participation in what should be a glorious bacchanalia. He traces the concept of terroir, defined as the historical sense of place that gives wine its uniqueness, through various global locations. The narrative moves from the sacred wineshops of Paris to film sets in Rio de Janeiro. By exploring how power influences taste, Nossiter suggests that individual taste can resist such control in any sphere. This work is suitable for readers interested in the sociology of food and drink, or those who enjoyed his earlier film Mondovino. It may not appeal to consumers seeking simple pairing guides or technical viticulture manuals. The text challenges established norms by questioning who gets to define quality and value in the wine world.