Fringe Burgundy is our 5 week focus on our weekly Monday Twitter program #WineStudio. Last night was Chablis, and although it has a long history, Chablis is quite fringe, due in part to its unique characteristic: it doesn’t taste like the Chardonnay we have grown accustomed to liking.
As I was researching Chablis, I found a film about an Alexandrian Philosopher named Hypatia. In fact I abandoned the research to watch the film and then to find more on this unknowingly powerful woman. She became the product of her surroundings – highly regarded and feared at the same time, much like Chablis. To get your hands on a Domaine Collet Chablis, link here.
Hypatia
Hypatia was born in 370 A.D. in cosmopolitan Alexandria—the epicenter where scholars from all the civilized countries gathered to exchange ideas. Hypatia came of age in an atmosphere of learning and exploration where her Father, Theon, encouraged her to develop intellectually and physically where no woman previously had. He trained her in mathematics, the arts, literature, science, and philosophy. He wanted her to become the “perfect human being.”
Theon told her to “reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all.” Hypatia’s home became an intellectual center where scholars gathered to discuss scientific and philosophical questions.
Of Greek Variety
She spoke her mind, even in the presence of males, because she had great confidence in her own intelligence and abilities. Though Hypatia gained respect and popularity through her intellectual accomplishments, she was still vulnerable. Her adherence to Greek scientific rationalism was the main factor that resulted in her murder. Zealots flayed her skin from her body with oyster shells.
Although a tragic ending to a phenomenal life, it behooves us as wine intellectuals, to converse and share ideas. To discuss and sometimes argue meanings and doubts associated with wine and culture. That’s why we chose Chablis for our online education program. Its terroir is more akin to Sancerre and Champagne than the wines of Burgundy. Apart, yet still of, better yet not. Chablis is out there, and she’s waiting and she could possibly be the “perfect” example of her variety.
Tina and GUY, Partners
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