The Count of Monte Cristo & Arnozan Bordeaux Superiuer

Today. Was. Beautiful. Finally, we have The Spring. Perfect weather makes me want to have a productive morning so that I can earn a lazy afternoon with my books and my wine- so today I did just that.

Something about my mood made me want to reach for an old classic. I didn't start from the beginning, I just opened it to a random page and slipped in. As the temperature started to cool, all that was needed to complete the moment was a lightly chilled red.

The Pairing

 The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and 2014 Arnozan Reserve de Chartrons Bordeaux Superieur

This book is... large. It's not as easy to read as a beachy romance, but not as tough to decipher as Shakespeare and such. It has a casual storytelling feel, like at the beginning of chapter LVIII where Dumas says, "Here is what had happened in the crown prosecutor's house after the departure of Mme Danglars and her daughter, and during the conversation that we have just recorded."

So for this book, I wanted a wine that was sturdy, but not overly rich. And, since TCOMC is so French, I knew only a French wine would suffice. I found everything I needed in this Bordeaux. 


I did learn the value of decanting; I didn't think the wine tasted bad at first, but after letting it rest for 30 minutes or so, I noticed a change in it's taste and smell- it had lost a little of it's sharp edge and was sweet and fruity. (Since I continue to claim that I am not a wine expert, I hope it's not surprising that I'm just now getting around to "that decanting thing.")


I lost track of time diving into The Count of Monte Cristo. When I settled in, it was late afternoon, and then I looked up and it was 8pm! Whoops. I recovered by throwing a pizza in the oven, pouring another glass of wine, and snuggling right back in to the corner of the couch. 



I doubt I'll finish this book- I'll read until I fall asleep, and then put it back on the shelves until I get another urge to pull it off and dive in again. Perhaps I need to keep a few bottles of this Bordeaux on hand, just in case.


À votre santé!


---

Page 60

More of a liquor drinker? Never fear, there's a tumbler glass for you. Also, I'm in LOVE with this framed quote. When you've journeyed through 1,100 pages, you'll want to put this up on your wall, I promise.

 

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