A Philosophy of Wine
Exactly how long has wine been around? According to Wikipedia, it's a while:
"As early as 7000 BC, chemical analysis of jars from the Neolithic village Jiahu in the Henan province of northern China revealed traces of a mixed fermented beverage. According to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences[7] in December 2004,[8] chemical analysis of the residue confirmed that a fermented drink made of grapes, hawthorn berries, honey, and rice was being produced in 7000–6650 BC.[9][10] This is approximately the time when barley beer and grape wine were beginning to be made in the Middle East. Evidence of alcoholic beverages has also been found dating from 5400 to 5000 BC in Hajji Firuz Tepe in Iran,[11] 3150 BC in ancient Egypt,[12] 3000 BC in Babylon,[13] 2000 BC in pre-Hispanic Mexico[13] and 1500 BC in Sudan.[14] According to Guinness, the earliest firm evidence of wine production dates back to 6000 BC in Georgia.[11][15]"
But this page is called the PHILOSOPHY, not the HISTORY of wine. What's up here?
No fear. We're going right where you think.
For millenia, wine growers and wine makers have been perfecting their craft, their art. All the while, wine consumers have been (so they claim) perfecting their palettes.
In our time, about 8000 years or so after its beginning, wine has become a subject of much critique, debate, and even controversy. Why? Let me quote a cliché, "Follow the money."
Worldwide, billions upon billions of dollars have been spent on the purchase and drinking of wine, its sales, advertising, critiques, recommendations and a veritable universe of "How-To" books. Many, almost religious, wine dogmas have arisen, all aiming to steer wine lovers in their own direction. Like any other market-based commodity, wine has become another lucrative gambit for those who want to capitalize on a "good thing."
I will never tell you what or who you ought to believe. That's up to you. I won't second-guess your tastes. Learning is personal. We all come to knowledge and wisdom along our own paths. On the other hand, I may challenge you to explore beyond your most recent comfort zone. I may suggest that you broaden your horizons. Every day, there is so much more to discover, experience and appreciate.
My philosophy? Wine is a mitzvah, a blessing, a fundamental human creation that has helped us experience, appreciate and embrace life. Wine changes and evolves as we do. Nothing is set in stone. Like humankind itself, wine is constantly becoming. There are no limits. If we have another 8000 years on this planet, wine will share the ride. God smiles and heaven awaits the next vintage . . .
If you'd like to explore this subject further, I highly recommend "The Philosophy of Wine: A Case of Truth, Beauty, and Intoxication" by Cain Todd.
Fascinating, entertaining, humorous. It's a demystification of wine expertise and those who would tell you what you should like. Sometimes, wine is just fun. Sometimes, it's much more. In any case, you decide.