Love of Art, Love of Wine

Thankfully art and wine both travel well in suitcases. I was concerned about the condition of a few pieces I bought from The Attic Gallery in Vicksburg, MS, including a painting plagued my thoughts since I first saw it and some sculpture work. I wrapped and taped the pieces in bubble wrap and put them in a box, surrounded by clothes and other items.

Also inside the box was the bottle of 1996 Ridge Monte Bello. The sommelier and I decided it probably wasn’t ready yet, even though splits age faster than 750 ml bottles. We figured the vision of drinking that highly-regarded concoction would be incentive for us to stay friends for a few more years. The thing is, though—it made perfect sense to pack the bottle among wood, ceramic, and stone. Because wine is art, too. Just as an artist chooses the canvas, the colors, the brushstrokes, a winemaker chooses style, oak or steel, how much Merlot and how much Petit Verdot.

You can collect both and spend a range from very little to insanely high. At least with the art, I don’t have to rely so much on my memory. Maybe that’s why I started seeking it out more. But don’t worry. It’s in addition to wine, not a replacement. I can deal with drinking some of my investments.