In 2020, a lot of people had a lot of time on their hands.
Thus, it came as little surprise when a poll last year found booze to be the second most abstained-from pleasure during Lent (at number one was Twitter).
More on that in a moment. But first... What is a “wild ferment”?
This week, Julien explains the theory behind the recent proliferation of “wild ferments” (or “wild yeast”, or “native yeast”, depending on the label)... why packaged commercial yeast is standard in the industry… pros & cons of fermenting with wild yeasts… and why some insist it’s the only way to make proper wine…
On Lenten Teetotaling Continued
2,000 years ago or so, John the Baptist baptized Jesus. After that, the Spirit led Jesus out into the desert to fast for 40 days and nights. Either during that time or immediately at its conclusion (the scriptures say both), the Devil made three attempts to tempt Christ away from his path, but was unsuccessful. Christ went on to Galilee and began his ministry.
On Wednesday (for the followers of the Roman rite) or Monday (for followers of the Eastern Patriarchs), Lent began. For 40 days Christians around the world will imitate Christ’s fast with privations of their own.
Meat is the big no-no, especially on Fridays and Holy Days.
Fortunately, humans are an inventive lot. The Washington Post has helpfully suggested that while a Whopper might be off limits, Catholics can enjoy plant-based Impossible Burgers. Executives at the Impossible Foods company even commented that they expect to see an uptick in fast food sales as outlets like Burger King encourage their customers to take advantage of the loophole.
Sadly, while there is alcohol free wine, it takes a whole heck of a lot of it to tie on a quick buzz after work.
No loopholes for us wine aficionados then.
The good news is that nowhere in official church doctrine does it state that Lenten observance requires abstention from alcohol.
There is evidence that Lenten teetotalism was a feature of the early church. The Apostolic Constitutions, a series of books on moral rectitude from the 4th century, proscribe “flesh and wine” and permit only “bread, vegetables, salt, and water.”
However, the Apostolic Constitutions have an association with the Arian Heresy (trust us, explaining that would only make it more confusing). So who cares what they say?
Point being, we don’t know whether or not one should give up wine for Lent.
If you already have, our recommendation is that you convert to a denomination that follows the Roman rite. Sundays are not technically part of the Lenten 40 Days in that tradition.
For our own part, we have given up the red nectar in past years, yes.
This year, however, we decided that our stock and crypto portfolio was doing more than enough penance for the whole family.
Until next time,
The Wine Explorer