Wine has inspired more prose and poetry over the ages than just about any other subject outside of love (and for us die-hard wine fans, one could argue that even those are related). Robert Louis Stevenson even went so far as to call wine “bottled poetry.”
In a teaser to a little something I have up my sleeve that I’ll be unveiling in the next couple of weeks, here’s a look at the way the greats have used words throughout the ages to relate wine to the bigger theme of life:
Experience
“The smell of wine, oh how much more delicate, cheerful, gratifying, celestial and delicious . . . ”
~ Rabelais from Gargantua
Rabelais loved his wine. He had it right when he waxed poetic about the mere “smell of a wine.” A wine’s nose, or aroma, can conjure portraits of parched, dusty landscapes or lush, verdant hills. It can take you to a place that you’ve never been or bring you home again. The kaleidoscope of scent in a wine is truly a magical thing.
Connection
“Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.”
~ Ernest Hemingway from Death in the Afternoon
Hemingway’s quote touches on the sheer spectrum of enjoyment derived from wine. From a pitcher laid out on a peasant table with a crusty loaf of bread to a regal gathering with several courses and crystal stemware, wine really does elevate any occasion.
Friendship
“What though youth gave love and roses age still leaves us friends and wine.”
~ Thomas Moore
“A thousand cups of wine do not suffice when true friends meet, but half a sentence is too much when there is no meeting of minds.”
~ Chinese proverb
Sinking into conversation with a good friend over a glass of wine has been one of life’s greatest pleasures for centuries—in every corner of the globe. Today is no exception. Wine and friendship is still one of life’s perfect blends.
Stay tuned for more words and wine . . .
Photo by Mamluke, reprinted under a Creative Commons license
7 Comments
I’m still taken with wine as “bottled poetry.” Thank you for this lovely post, Lea.
My love for wine in the past few years has grown exponentially. My trip into your neck of the woods really showed me how much passion people can have for wine, and made me feel even more passionate myself. I love the idea of wine being “bottled poetry”, and will probably think of that from now on when I open a bottle.
Thanks for this post!
Enjoying a glass right now after watching my 18 year old daughter graduate from high school tonight. Lovely evening outside - watching though the smoke from the fires by Paradise. There is something to be said for mulling over the evening where you see your grown sons and 6 year old son hug their sister. It has been a very nice evening - a glass of wine is just the thing to end the celebration. Thanks Lia - can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve. steph
These are great lines, I need to print these out…they are lovely to read.
The last post, a little science & history. This post, literature. I’m enjoying the education. It sure is something that would be nice to study full time!
I’m with Rosemary . . .maybe I should change majors.
steph
What wonderful comments!
Susan . . . I’ll be you’d be able to come up with some fabulous bottle poetry of your own, with your way with words.
Foodette . . . Isn’t it amazing what a face-to-face visit can do? I’m so glad you enjoyed your time up here!
Steph . . . That is just such a sweet moment you shared, and such a perfect illustration of how wine makes a special moment like that even that much sweeter.
Noble Pig . . . Oh and there’s more coming ;-).
Rosemary . . . I’m a willing tutor!
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