 |
Here is a description of the new book on wine by Roger Scruton: I drink therefore I am: A philosopher's guide to wine.
While wine is an excellent accompaniment to food, it is even better with philosophy. By thinking with wine, you can learn to drink in thoughts and think in draughts...In vino veritas.I cannot think of anyone writing a similar treatise on other mind-altering substances. Even the mild marijuana is evaded in polite conversation.
It is a mystery how wine acquired an entry into almost every facet life, where it is associated with mostly the good: pleasure, social cohesion (it was wine that Jesus had to make from water to keep the wedding party going), elitism, gastronomy, taste (often good), aesthetics (those beautiful deep red colors), poetry, class (a wino is better tolerated than a drunk), medicine, and of course the Eucharist.
Champagne reserves the best of occasions for its consumption. Despite its elitism, there is a bottle for everyone. Probably most people don't really spend too much time ruminating on the taste, as long as it is bubbly, pale yellow in color, and that it opens with a bang.
But, here is research that shows that those glasses of bubbly might actually be good for the brain:
Champagne On The Brain - The Benefits Of A Glass Of Bubbly
There is much work to be done in 2010, so let's start it with good cheer and a determined spirit. We can also take Scruton's advice, and use the fermented drink of the grape with more thoughtful ends, hoping it gives us the insights and knowledge to tackle our difficult world.
Happy New Year!
