I spent about 10 years enjoying the reading and studying that I did with astrology, beginning in the 60s. I wanted to know how Leon Pinkham could read my astrology chart via an ephemeris, and know so much about me in that reading; telling me things about myself, that I didn’t even want to admit to myself, yet; although, I knew he was right. What had I been missing and how did he do that? So, I hit the books… a lot of books for a lot of years. I stopped when someone asked me to predict something, it turned out that I was right, but her husband came down on me like a ton of bricks. I decided to protect myself from that again, so I let it go in terms of helping others.
From AlwaysAstrology.com: History of Astrology…Ancient Babylon
Astrology has been around for thousands of years. Tracing its roots back to ancient Babylonia, it was practiced by the priests to decipher the will of the gods. From Babylonia, astrology was adopted by the Greeks. They trusted the stars and the oracles to forecast the future. The Hindus of India were also exploring astrology at this time between 5000 and 3000 BC, developing some of the same signs we use today.
When my friend Darrell Martinie, Boston’s Cosmic Muffin, passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2006, after a three year battle with cancer, everyone in my family was shedding crocodile tears. Darrell and his husband Ed Boesel had been our friends for over 30 years. (Ed still is our friend.) My daughters grew up knowing Uncle Ed and Uncle Darrell. It was very sad for us all. To honor The Cosmic Muffin, I began to think that if he could pair an astrology prototype with wine for each sign, what would it be. Here you go.
Astrological Signs With Their Astrological Wines
Aries (Fire sign — pioneer ) Pinot Grigio: Pinot Grigio is the popular Italian version of the well known French Pinot Gris, and is a wonderful new beginning for those just starting to develop their interest in wine. This wine parallels perfectly with Aries, as Aries is the entry sign.
Taurus (Earth sign — tenacious) Syrah: Known for its earthy tendencies, Syrah delivers a solid Rhone variety that keeps developing its following in the new world of wine; however, it has been persistently serving the French for centuries.
Gemini (Air sign — intellectual twin) Zinfandel: The astrological twin has two distinct sides. So does Zinfandel. White Zinfandel (with slightly sweet flavors of strawberry) has brought many people joyfully into the wine world. For most of us, this is an entry point, not the be-all-to-end-all. And the other side of the twin is Zinfandel in its natural, red grape form, offering flavors of blackberries and a pepper spice.
Cancer (Water sign — sensitive, emotional nurturer — Darrell’s moon placement) Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc is a noble Bordeaux varietal. And, as Darrell used to remind us when any planet was in Cancer, Cancer and Sauvignon Blanc are not to be confused with emotions being reflective of someone or something out of control. Rather, anything related to Cancer was controlled and motherly, something austere and nurturing.
Leo (Fire sign — party animal) Champagne: Fun and bubbly, it’s party time. Who doesn’t love bubbles and a party? Whenever we associate a grand gathering, it’s always kicked off with Champagne and/or sparkling wine, and leads into more enjoyment.
Virgo (Earth sign — analyzer) Pinot Noir: At its worst (all signs have “at their best” and “at their worst” tendencies), this is the fussiest grape to grow. Upon deliverance, however, this wine (like all the Virgos in the world) gives us great pleasure. It can range from the most delicates of red with flavors of plum to flavors of bold, dark red cherries. It’s because a winemaker took the time to analyze where he wanted to go with this wine that we get to taste the best expression in its delivery.
Libra (Air sign — judge) Riesling: Find a diner who’s willing to pay over $100 for a bottle of this aromatic, floral discovery, and you’ll find superbly well-balanced wine that will become more of a conversation piece that focuses completely and utterly on the wine, than a subtle experience that’s in the background when conversation turns to the weather.
Scorpio (Water sign — detective) Petite Sirah: This take-no-prisoners variety is as dark and brooding as the sign. Scorpio is known for always getting you back, so watch that you don’t spill a drop of this wine on your white shirt, or that shirt will be stung by its color pigment forever. This is the biggest and baddest of all wines! Loaded with lots of color, flavor, textures, and aromas, Petite Sirah is for the most intense among us.
Sagittarius (Fire sign — jester) Rosé: This is a wine that is (like the sign) a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. A rose can be any red wine on a superficial level, never truly achieving what it would have been, had it stayed the course to full varietal intensity that is offered by deeply developing on the vine, and being used accordingly. And yet, who doesn’t love a clown, and what would we do without a bit of frivolity in the world?
Capricorn (Earth sign — banker) Bordeaux: This Cabernet blend is always one that you can bank on for flavor, longevity, and building its monetary cache as it ages. The most money spent on any wine in purchases is for the Bordeaux… You can bank on it!
Aquarius (Air sign — humanitarian) Merlot: What other variety gives it all up to others? Merlot gives it up to Cab, as its original intent was to be blended into Cabernet, so Cab could shine. It’s had its day in the US as a variety, but that trend is moving toward Syrah and Pinot Noir, while still holding its position for being a prominent, blending component for Bordeaux, in Cab’s shadow.
Pisces (Water sign — magician) Chardonnay: The one white wine in the US that flooded the market has many different takes on how it presents itself, and fools many among us with its trickery. Is it malolactic fermented, is it neutral barrels that have ML present from past fermentations that we taste, or is it stainless steel for six months, then into barrels, neutral or otherwise? It’s magic.
Hugs and kisses, Darrell! Over and out…
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