Behind the Glass

"The science of sensory perception is surprisingly complex and little understood, given that we all use our capacity to see, taste and smell many hundreds of times each day. Gus Zhu MW has written a fascinating – and easy to follow – guide to the way in which chemistry, biology, physics, genetics and winemaking interact to not only create the great diversity seen in today’s world of wine, but also shape our ability to taste, understand and appreciate these wines." - Natasha Hughes MW, wine and food writer
"A lively, readable exploration of the science behind the taste of wine. Which chemicals contribute to wine flavour, both good and bad? Gus takes us on a thorough tour, but he also explains why the subject of wine flavour chemistry isn’t a simple one, because of the nature of perception. We don’t behave like measuring devices, and when it comes to experiencing wine there’s a lot of psychology, neurobiology and physiology in the way. It’s not easy bringing wine chemistry to life, but Gus knows his stuff, and presents it in an easily digestible read." - Dr Jamie Goode, author of Wine Science and Flawless
"This is a book that embraces the facts as much as the mystery." - Jancis Robison
"A book that should be read by any wine lover who has more than just a passing interest in what they are drinking." - The Sun
"...not only does Zhu, China’s first Master of Wine, manage to make some in-depth science (mostly) intelligible to me, he writes with wit and perception, making this book a pleasure to read." - Club Enologique
"Wine lovers who have pondered the answers to questions like “Why is red wine red?” and “Why do people perceive wines differently?” will appreciate this book." - Wall Street Journal
"A book on the science of wine flavour and tasting might not fit one’s idea of an entertaining read. But that is exactly what Gus Zhu MW delivers in this engaging yet thorough, approachable yet rigorous work that covers the chemistry of flavour, the physiology and psychology of tasting, and everything in between." - Decanter
"A book that should be read by any wine lover who has more than just a passing interest in what they are drinking." - The Irish Sun
"Behind the Glass is one of those rare books that will make you think differently next time you open a bottle of wine" - Club O
The author of Behind The Glass was interviewed on the Italian Wine Podcast. - Italian Wine Podcast
"The structured format makes complex topics approachable and relevant for both enthusiasts and professionals." - Forbes
The author of Behind The Glass was interviewed on the Natalie MacClean podcast. - Natalie MacLean Podcast
"For those whose interest in wine has evolved beyond the simply sip phase, Behind the Glass would be a good first place to look for answers to some fundamental questions." - The World of Fine Wine