Suzanne Mustacich

There are two different stories being told here: the first is the story of the business of wine and how the Chinese communist model clashed with the wine culture of the Bordeaux; and the second is the story of making wine in China and the struggle of finding the right place to grow the grapes, make the wine and find actual wine drinkers in China. Full of first hand accounts of those that worked to bring wine and the wine business to China, it was a fascinating look into the cultural conflict between the absurdity of the Chinese communist system and the west. I found the writing style clear and easy to read while also painting a picture of the people and places involved, the book also felt well researched and well organized. The authors melding of the details of the business of wine and the impact of the events on the lives of all of those involved both in France and China really drew me into this book. I received a free ARC of this book through Goodreads First Reads giveaways.
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I've been trying to finish Thirsty Dragon for months, but I haven't managed to do so. The topics (China, wine) I love, but the text is just not resonating with me. If I were to describe what I've read so far, I'd say it's like a thoroughly researched piece of journalism: one where the author could not compel herself to leave out a single detail. Perhaps I'm just bogged down in the granularity somehow--looking for the bigger picture, the broader brushstroke. Yet the purported point of the book seems to be revealed in the subtitle, so my motivation to read as if I were devouring a mystery or thriller is just not there. I'm just not getting into it.… (más)

An excellent book for the wine lovers on your gift list! Mustacich covers often complex ground in readable accessible prose explaining the interrelation of the French and Chinese wine markets. This is a great review of wine-making in general and in Bordeaux in particular. We readily see what makes Bordeaux wines so valued worldwide. That appreciation spread to China with its rising power in world markets in the past decade or so. Wine can be appreciated as a major component of a delightful meal. With high prices for top vineyards and hefty fees to wine "futures", Wine is also very big business. China's interests span both. A very interesting read.… (más)