Celebrating Life
Astronauts speak of The Overview Effect, that of looking down on planet earth, and the cognitive shift in awareness that occurs when seeing a tiny, fragile ball of life floating in space. With the realization that there are no boundaries and everything on earth—all humans, all life—is connected, the astronauts report feelings of awe and wonder, which translate into deep compassion, empathy, a yearning to come together as a global society, and a sense of caring for every living thing inhabiting the planet.
Even if you’ve not signed up for SpaceX or Blue Origin, you can still journey far simply by closing your eyes and imagining earth from this distance. Artificial boundaries vanish; so too do the ideological and manmade conflicts that divide us. Petty problems? Zap... gone. What you behold is an amazing planet.
And what does this have to do with wine? I don't know, except perhaps that wine from time immemorial has been the great harmonizer. Wine represents togetherness and inclusiveness. If we can envision earth from afar, we can envision popping a cork with a perceived enemy. After a glass, he or she might even make us laugh; after another glass maybe our beliefs shift, becoming less rigid. This year, whether Democrat or Republican, Independent or apolitical, dog or cat, raise a glass (or a leg) and celebrate life.
Tis the season of Light and we are fortunate that we can open our hearts and find compassion for those who have less than we do, and also for those with more; for animals, and for our beautiful planet. When we do this, we see that we really are more alike than different, and the world ceases to be us versus them and becomes one giant “we” instead. Whether you celebrate Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas or the Solstice, I hope you celebrate with compassion for all beings.
Wines for bridging the gap: Mas de Daumas Gassac, Rosé, Frizant, 2018 (biodynamic) – Rosé is the great bridge builder, as it mediates between red and white and seems to pair with everything. Then again, so too does sparkling wine, and this wine combines the two. A unique blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Petit Manseng and Muscat, it’s not just any sparkling rosé—it comes from the renowned Mas de Daumas Gassac, also known as the Lafite of the Languedoc, or the Grand Cru of the Languedoc. Abundantly fruity up front, it finishes dry. As beautiful to look at as it is to taste, this wine will pair with a wide array of dishes at your holiday table from salty appetizers likes olives, nuts, saucisson, cheese or ham to elegant main courses of vegetable, fish, or fowl. Also great for sipping on its own.
Wines for opening the heart: Domaine Montirius, Vacqueyras, Garrigues, 2016 (biodynamic) – Another great producer, this time in the heart of Vacqueyras. I have always called Vacqueyras my “heart wine” because of its warmth and generosity. It doesn’t take itself as seriously as Bordeaux or Burgundy. Grenache and Syrah from vines more than 65 years old. Warm fruit with lots of spice, for warming hearts on cold winter nights.
Kay Pfaltz