Sip of the Day

I love a book that turns preconception on its head, especially if it’s historical fiction. Remember the 15th century religious fanatic Savonarola who burnt countless items of artistic value right after the glory days of the Medici at the Bonfire of the Vanities in Florence? Well, in “Lent” by Jo Walton, you’ll find yourself sympathizing with this Dominican monk. Believe it. And though Savonarola consistently refuses wine over water, I didn’t let him make me feel guilty for imbibing. I paired this book with Barda, a smooth Pinot Noir made in Argentina with a Tuscan touch (its owner Piero Incisa della Rocchetta is from Maremma). Bodega Chacra’s practices are all totally in harmony with nature—they’re unfiltered, natural, and biodynamic—so sipping on Barda felt like a good deed.