Terry Theise: The Pioneer Importer of Iconic German and Austrian Wines to the US

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller interview acclaimed wine importer Terry Theise, announce the final Coravin Sparkling giveaway of the year, and discuss the 2024 latest Liv-ex Power 100 rankings. Terry is celebrated for introducing the United States to many of the top and most respected producers from Germany and Austria.

Terry shares his incredible journey from humble beginnings in the wine business to becoming a champion for artisanal producers in Germany and Austria. The conversation dives into the unique characteristics of Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, and red varietals like Blaufränkisch and Spätburgunder, offering listeners a wealth of insight into these regions and their wines. Terry also reflects on his work with grower Champagnes and the evolution of Champagne culture.

Highlights

• Terry’s introduction to German and Austrian wines and how he became a groundbreaking importer.
• The key differences between German and Austrian Riesling, from terroir to tasting notes.
• Gruner Veltliner: A versatile and food-friendly white wine that pairs with even the most challenging dishes.
• Austrian red wines, including the distinct profiles of Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, and Zweigelt.
• The rise of German Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) and its growing reputation among wine enthusiasts.
• Practical tips for selecting wines from these often-overlooked regions.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the Vint Podcast
00:32 Coravin Giveaway Announcement
02:15 Introducing Terry Theise
03:04 LiveX Power 100 Rankings
09:07 Deep Dive into German and Austrian Wines
15:18 Terry Theise's Career Journey
26:38 Understanding the VDP and German Wine Market
29:27 The Journey from Germany to Austria
30:48 Discovering Austrian Wines
33:20 Comparing Austrian and German Rieslings
39:58 The Versatility of Gruner Veltliner
43:41 Exploring Austrian Red Wines
48:59 The Rise of German Pinot Noir
55:51 The Grower Champagne Revolution

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!