The New York Times features a profile of one of my favorite wine importers, Terry Theise. The article focuses on Terry's Austrian portfolio, but he's also one of the best importers of German wines. Quotes pour like glittering jewels from his mouth and pen. Of grüner veltliner: "The novelty's worn off, perhaps, and we have to scratch new itches of hippitude with albino Petite Sirah from Guam or whatever." From my interview with him, about a middle-aged appreciation of Mosel Riesling: "when you pause you notice things that were too quiet to be heard before."
He has been a relentless champion of the best of Germany and Austria; if the sommelier at your favorite restaurant likes these wines, it's probably because of Terry.
I've had the good fortune to get to know Terry—enough that he recognizes me at tastings, and has been very gracious about my foie gras article—and I enjoyed reading the Times's take. For those in the Bay Area, Terry will be at Solano Cellars on July 20, so swing by if you can. And if you want to learn more about his wines, rest assured that I'll be pouring plenty during my class.
