Together as One

Judith-Ann Ortiz — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 02:35:04 +0000

As an essential part of the Catholic Church Holy Sacrifice, one of the two elements absolutely necessary is the wine. The church governs the making of altar wine. According to Roman Catholic Cannon law, it must be made from pure grape juice (not chemically adulterated) and properly fermented. The color and taste may vary as long as the wine is judged to be pure. To prevent wine from spoiling during transportation, it may be fortified during fermentation with brandy distilled from grapes and alcohol level is not to exceed 18% of the whole. Mont La SAlle Altar Wine Company in the Napa Valley of California and Cribari Quality Reserved Altar Wines in Fresno, California are two of the Nation’s main sacramental wine suppliers.

Today, I barely made it to church on time. My youngest son kept sneezing and fidgeting. He wanted water, tissue, and bathroom brakes throughout the entire mass celebration. To tell you the truth, I was tired from a very busy week schedule. But no matter the emotional and mental state I find myself during mass, there’s something about the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist that bring it all together in perfect harmony and peace. That perfect moment of grace and transformation Catholics share during the partaking of the body and blood of Christ, brings us to the altar in one faith, all together as one.

The Wine Mood

Judith-Ann Ortiz — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 02:25:20 +0000

They say that the only constant thing in life is change.

I grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by dozens of cousins, frequent weekend family gatherings, beach, sun, sand, and now I live in “sweet home” Alabama… What are the odds of that? Puertorricans love to drink chilled Medalla beer or mix Bacardi Rum with a variety of creatively colorful cocktails. But, I LOVE the taste and aroma of the perfect glass of wine to match any occassion among friends, family, or simply spending time with myself.

Lately, it seems like I ( probably you too) have been on an emotional rollercoaster due to all the recent changes in local and world events. But today, with the cold morning air that anticipates Christmas, I felt like relaxing with Concha y Toro’s full bodied Cavernet Sauvignon, Don Melchor.

How about you? What is your wine mood?

Wine Du Jour

Together as One

The Wine Mood