Marinos Skolarikos. editor 13 Feb. 2025.
Six months ago, I read a wonderful book by the German author and journalist Jean-Luc Hennig entitled "Eroticism in wine", which is published in Greece by Kastalia Publications, ISBN 978-960-7560-86-5.
I extracted some verses from the text introduced by the writer and poet Francis Ponge, "The Wine " (The Great Collection, Pieces)
Wine is not a great thing. Yet its flame dances in many bodies of the city.
It dances rather than shines. It makes people dance instead of smoldering or burning.
It floods the limbs with warmth and, above all, it enlivens the tongue.
Like all things, there is a secret to wine. However, wine does not keep that secret. We can keep it to make it tell us: as long as we love it, drink it, pour it into us. Then it speaks.
It speaks, confidently!
Let's analyze this particular phenomenon
The eroticism of wine is a fascinating subject that links the enjoyment of wine with the awakening of the senses, desire and sensuality. Since ancient times, wine has been associated with celebrations, carnal pleasures and the celebration of love. Its taste, its aroma, its colour and even the way it flows in the glass evoke sensual experiences.
Wine and sensuality: natural alchemy
Awaken the senses: Wine stimulates the sense of sight with its deep nuances, the sense of smell with its enchanting aromas, the sense of touch with its texture in the mouth and of course the sense of taste with its complexity. Like a lover, it asks to be discovered slowly.
The ritual of wine: Opening a bottle, observing its color, smelling its aroma, swirling it in the glass... So many subtle gestures reminiscent of the game of seduction.
Wine in eroticism and literature
Dionysus and Bacchus, the gods of wine, are also deities of pleasure and excess. The Bacchae were orgiastic feasts where wine flowed freely.
Baudelaire and Verlaine mention wine as an aphrodisiac elixir, an inspiration for passion.
Colette and Anaïs Nin play in their writings with the association between wine and female sensuality.
Combinations of wine and desire.
The actress Marilena Radou enjoys the Anagallis rosé wine
A rosé wine, such as the fine rosé wine from the Venetsanos winery in Santorini, is the
Anagallis from the noble varieties Assyrtiko 30%, Aydani 50%, Mandilaria 20%. Vivid pink colour.
Nose full of charming pomegranate aromas, with subtle notes of rose, wild strawberry and cherry. Fine tannins are subtly present. Fruity and long-lasting aftertaste.
Pair it with salmon, seafood pasta, goat cheese, fruit salads and it is ideal to accompany Asian cuisine.
Anagallis is the ideal wine for a light and refreshing atmosphere.
A full-bodied rosé wine from Thivaiki Gi (Terra Thebes) is Story Mouhtaro, from the native Greek variety Mouhtaro. aArosé is born a wine that stands out for its unique character. With a seductive pinkish color, it exudes aromas of wildflowers and juicy red fruits, creating an aromatic palette full of vitality and freshness. Its balanced taste combines finesse and freshness, while the cool aftertaste.
leaves a light and pleasant sensation.
Story Mouhtaro by Thivaiki Gi
Our last choice for the Day of Love is Mater Natura 14, a rose from the Vaimaki family. A red Xinomavro from the Amyndeon winegrowing region; ruby red in colour, with grey highlights. The aromas consist of cherry, wild strawberries, raspberries and herbs. Elegant mouthfeel, medium body, cool acidity, soft juicy tannins and long aftertaste.
Vaimakis Family Xinomavro 2021, Mater Natura 14
Ideal wine for a sensual and intense evening.
A step before the crucial moment...
A dessert wine like Visanto for the sweetest memories.
Marilena Radou & Visanto wine
Visanto, from Venetsanos Winery, is a rich, sweet dessert wine from Santorini, Greece, known for its rich flavors of caramel, dried fruit and nuts. It's a fantastic choice for a Valentine's Day celebration, especially when paired with the right food and environment.
How to enjoy Visanto wine on Valentine's Day
Serve the wine as an after dinner treat with a cheese platter (think aged parmesan, gorgonzola or pecorino).
Pair with desserts:
Dark chocolate truffles
Cheesecake or mousse chocolat
And a tip. Drink in moderation, because alcohol without a bar brings the opposite effect and puts you off the...target.
Read the book, taste a glass of wine accompanied by the romantic playlist of Allwinestories:
I'll Always Love You, Whitney Houston
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJtq2DGGk8
The power of love, Celine Dion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8HOfcYWZoo
Wonderful tonight, Eric Clapton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUSzL2leaFM
Love Me With All Of Your Heart, Engelbert Humperdinck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUSzL2leaFM
And I love you so, Perry Como
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKp1HKM_4TY
Where do I begin, Love Story, Shirley Bassey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoFNy_neZhc
Cosa Sei, Riccie e Poveri
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lCGa8xh3aQ
As long as you exist, Timi Euro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH8Ct_ENs90&sttick=0
Be my baby, The Ronettes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSPpbOGnFgk
I love you baby, Unity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7G9_AcPvQQ
The music played, Mat Monro
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pae6NxNOI3o
Only time, Enya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wfYIMyS_dI
Animera tou Erota, Yannis Parios
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HB7hDH5wJ4Y
Conclusion
Wine is much more than a drink: it is a promise, an invitation to discover ourselves and others. A shared glass becomes a prelude to desire, a statement without words.
Cheers!
Photo Credit: Kostas Fragoulis.
Actress/Model Marilena Radou
Kastalia Publications ISBN 978-960-7560-86-5.
