Just a quick non-political post this week, I’ll be back with my usual in-depth analysis of a geopolitical issue next Monday. That’s because I’m about to attend a Roman-style symposium. I will be dressed in a toga, eat food that hasn’t been in fashion since the death of Christ, and of course, enjoy a fine selection of mostly Italian wines.

Now drinking wine is an excellent pastime for a variety of reasons. Its a wonderful drink to go with a meal; its a firm belief of mine that every wine has a meal that perfectly complements it. Wine is the right balance of alcoholic strength. Spirits are too strong to be enjoyed on their own, they must be diluted with a mixer. Beer, ale and cider on the other hand, fill the stomach with too much gas, meaning that drinking a decent quantity can become quite difficult. Its also a firm belief of mine that wine-drinking has a certain elegance and sophistication to it- from the design of the wine bottles and glasses, to the sheer variety of flavours that make being a wine connoisseur a uniquely useful talent. Moreover, I find that wine is appropriate for almost any occasion. Its served at weddings, funerals, family celebrations, getting a job, losing a job,  Christmas- even every Sunday should you take the words of Jesus literally.

Now if you don’t like the taste of wine, my only response is pity. I don’t have anything against you, I simply believe that you’re missing out on one of life’s greatest pleasures. But since this is the Epicurus blog, I must stress that you should enjoy your wine responsibly and in moderation. There’s nothing elegant or sophisticated about insobriety- as a student, I know that better than most!

Cheers! Have a lovely week, I’ll be back soon.