The Joy of Wine (MP3s)

1. Side 1 (21:28)
2. Side 2 (23:42)
3. Side 3 (23:25)
4. Side 4 (15:26)

Listen up, you beer-swilling, punk-rock-loving club types: It's time to get your wine on. I love a good brew as much as the next guy, but there's something very good to be said for fermented grape juice too. This album will tech you enough to confound the sommelier the next time you dine in an establishment that frowns on torn clothing and Doc Martens.

The tour guide for this record is Alexis Lichine, whose Encylopedia of Wine and Spirits could be found in most people's bookcases in the 1970s. Chances are your parents still have a copy somewhere. In 1980, MGM got together with Lichine to create an audio documentary on wine, and this joy of an album was the result.

More than half of the time is spent discussing the wines of France, and Lichine takes us to the vineyards to meet winemakers and nobility who discuss their techniques. The location audio is outstanding and every second of production is superb. "Masterpiece Theater" fans will recognize Mouret's "Rondeau from Symphonies and Fanfares for the King's Supper" adding a note of grand elegance to the proceedings.

From France we travel to Germany and then learn a bit about global wine regions and how to enjoy wine. You'll know what the labels mean and get a fascinating insight into how champagne is made. Forget the track lengths, as there isn't a dull moment to be found on any of the four sides, and listening to one will make you hungry for the others. You'll probably want some wine by the end of Side 1, so be prepared.

If you happen across a copy of the album, you'll find an extensive booklet between the covers that goes into greater depth on several topics and a list of vintage years through the 1970s.

Suggested pairings for this album include a cool Saturday afternoon with brie, pears, and a Dr. Loosen reisling, or a long weekend drive to a relaxing spot where good food can be found.

Comments

[Louisville Dan]

Yes indeed, this is great. Thanks for the post!

[doughnut]

If this album wets your whistle for wine, you might enjoy Wine Library TV. Gary Vaynerchuck is really good at describing wines and the wine industry to the uneducated like myself.
http://tv.winelibrary.com/

[bopst]

great post but what is that bad wine?

[Larry]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the MGM label dead by 1976 after Polydor had bought up the record division of MGM? I don't know of any releases on that label past 1976....

[Ultimate Spinach -]

This record came out in 1968.

http://www.bsnpubs.com/mgm/mgm44014600.html

[Hearitwow]

Thanks for that info. The link above is one hell of a resource for those trying to find info on old albums. Complete discographies for the major and minor labels--too bad that Columbia stops in 1957, or we might have release dates for The J's with Jamie.