There is much discussion these days regarding wine labeling. In general we are in the camp that "more is better". Truth in labeling is historically important. But something too often overlooked is THE PURPOSE OF WINE. Should not the purpose of wine also be written on its label?While reading THE PHILOSOPHY OF WINE by Roger Scruton: “The Ancient Egyptians, incidentally, while they often labeled wines with the place of their production and would trade with all the best supplier around the Mediterranean, would classify wines by their social function. Archaeologists have recovered amphorae labeled as “wine for first-class celebrations”, “wine for tax collection day”, “wine for dancing”, and so on.”I had an AHA moment: Wine writers usually discuss WHY buy a particular wine. The far more essential issue or question I suddenly realized is WHY was this wine born or made?It struck me that I would like to encourage the adaption of a modern version of ancient Egyptian wine labeling.- YEAR OF HARVEST- TYPE OF WINE- AREA OF PRODUCTION- NAME OF ESTATE (PHARAOH, TEMPLE OR PRIVATE PERSON)- NAME OF WINE MAKER- QUALITY (GOOD, VERY GOOD OR EXCELLENT)Naturally, the listing of vintage year, name of the estate, along with estate owner and chief vintner was reserved for premium wines.Others labeled of good quality or simply identified by the house that produced them the equivalent of the today's French Vin de Pays or French country wine.But what is of greater significance is the addition of the specific purpose or occasion for which the wine was prepared: Is it to celebrate a first class function? Clearly vintage champagne or Bordeaux & Burgundy investment wines are appropriate for first class occasions.Is it a wine for merrymaking?The first wine that comes to mind for "merriment" is Australian Shiraz.Additionally, we might think of higher alcoholic or heavily fortified wines. (While hardly classical Egyptian, I am reminded of the teenage desire to "get drunk.") Broadly speaking, I view wine as serving one of two functions: Wine with Food or Wine without Food. With the former, there are many classic rules as well as modern matching principles, the latter especially applicable for New World wines or those without traditions. Some authors have written about what wine is best for celebrations such as Thanksgiving or Valentine's Day. Many have written about seasonality or selecting food and wine by the seasons. But I would argue, if the Wine is the star attraction, THINK EGYPTIAN!INSCRIPTIONS NEW KINGDOM AMPHORAE RECORD The following list is derived from the 1400 Labels of Amenhotep III El Malkata Western Thebes. - OFFERING WINE- MIXED WINE- WINE FOR CELEBRATIONS- WINE FOR TAXES- WINE FOR MERRYMAKING- WINE FOR HAPPY RETURN (Bon Voyage)- CELEBRATING FIRST CLASS FUNCTIONS- WINES FOR DANCINGWe have already mentioned the obvious modern wine choices for first class occasions to be the likes of a first growth Bordeaux, Grand Cru Burgundy or vintage Champagne.But which wines are best for Dancing?If we wish to serve a "wine for dancing", would we not also need to know the music selection?In Ancient Egypt dancing often accompanied celebrations, feasts, religious services and funeral rites. [While there were also specialized dances for other purposes e.g. military, drama etc, I presume wine was most likely served before or after but not to accompany such events.] We understand many dances were almost entirely religious in nature, and meant to honor, celebrate, mourn, or pacify various Gods. Again I presume the choice of wine was made according to the purpose of each function.So thinking in modern terms, would it be correct to select an Argentina Malbec as appropriate for tangos, while an Austrian Gruener Veltliner is better for Waltzes?But clearly there is more. If we think about jazz and wine, we have many different styles of jazz, each having its "match made in heaven" matching wine.AFTER WORDWhat Egyptian wine would I most desire to taste? Personally, I would love to have a cellar full of sweet wines from the House of Aton of the Western River. Its Chief Vintner Aperershop labeled the purpose of this wine to be "Life, Prosperity & Health".
