In episode 209 of The Drinking Hour podcast, host David Kermode sits down with Sunny Hodge — writer, IWSC judge and hospitality expert — whose debut book, The Cynic’s Guide to Wine, published by Académie du Vin Library, is out now.
From beginning his career at Nando’s, to owning both the bars Diogenes The Dog and Aspen & Meursault in London, Hodge has enjoyed a lengthy and rounded hospitality career in which he has often learnt a lot about the trade ‘on the go’. For many years, Hodge has been fascinated by how wine knowledge is acquired, which he believes is both largely anecdotal and dependent on beguiling narratives.
In this episode, Kermode and Hodge discuss the topic of knowledge in relation to wine. We are often told that a sense of place and history can contribute towards the character of what’s inside a bottle but what if this isn’t the case? Hodge reveals how his quest for scientific truths when researching his new book has cast new light on his understanding of what we experience when enjoying a glass of wine.
The Cynic’s Guide to Wine has already caused a stir thanks to Hodge’s critique of the notion of terroir; a beloved concept in wine circles but one the writer believes is largely a marketing tactic. Kermode and Hodge explore how the new book is an effort to provide an alternative and accessible guide to understanding wine, one that is grounded in stringent scientific research rather than romantic storytelling.
Discover more episodes of The Drinking Hour with David Kermode here
