Emulating Aristotle

            Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all. —Aristotle

            I have friends who are Democrats and friends who are Republicans. As far as I’ve been able to tell, they’re all just people. Sometimes their/our ideas of what’s right diverge, but these ideas we often take as hard truths, even as solid things in themselves, are in fact just beliefs. Many who know me know my greatest passions lie with the earth and her animals, who I feel are often at the mercy of humans, and I can become quite keen believing I’m right about these things that matter most to me. It can help me to hear opposing viewpoints, even if acknowledgment only comes afterwards in the quiet of reflection.

            My hope is no matter what our thoughts are about the Coronavirus that it helps us bridge the gap and bring people closer, accepting that we’re in it together. I’ve seen evidence of this, but also the opposite. In which case, my advice? Bring on the great bridge-builder and merrymaker, wine! As always, moderation’s the word.

            Alas, moderation is not in vogue—we have only to look at the clicks conspiracy theories receive or the publicity of extremists. Moderation is boring. Yet boring or not, moderation, whether in wine or in life, is what we need. Perhaps never more than now is a middle way of Aristotelian thought necessary, where common sense trumps reactive emotion, virtue conquers the extremes of passion, and heart-based wisdom triumphs over ignorance.

            Wine for bridging the divide: Château Valcombe Ventoux, Rosé, 2019 (organic old-vine Grenache Noir, Grenache Gris, Cinsault, and Syrah) - Rosé is the party host who nods graciously to everyone and steers the conversation away from the jagged rocks of heated political discussions. Rosé is also the class clown, insouciant and carefree. It’s a happy wine that takes life less seriously than the great reds or whites. And who among us couldn’t use a little light-hearted fun? Recipe for joy: Chill in ice bucket or fridge (wine, not self), gather friends, family, and food. Pop cork, and sip. Fresh, crisp, perfectly acidic and balanced, with a core of warm strawberry and cherry, and a hint of apple skin and spice on the finish. Go on, laugh. You no longer care that your mother-in-law, elected official, jerk on Facebook, fill in the blank, is a stupid idiot. Life’s good. The sun shines softly and the breeze whispers through new green leaves.  Serve with salade Niçoise, pasta salads, Thai cuisine.

            Wine for emulating Aristotle: Tetramythos, Mavro, Kalavryta, 2018 – In the absence of the Limnio grape of Lemnos, which is most likely the famous Leminian wine Aristotle described, try Mavro Kalavryta—otherwise known as the Black of Kalavryta from the northern Peloponnese where battles took place during WWII between the Germans and the Partisans. If you sniff and think you’re smelling a deliciously rustic Pinot Noir, you’re not alone. Aromas of cherry, violet, cocoa, and spices. Medium tannins make for a long finish. Pair with aged cheeses, roasted beets, game.

Kay Pfaltz