Sipping with Smoth: red wine

As the warm weather disappears, it’s time to pack away our gin and tonics, piña coladas and pinot gris in favour of some less frivolous beverages. And what better way to set the autumn mood than with some red wine?

Red wine is a special drink. Consider the following—drinks are typically served hot or cold. Milk, juice, cocktails—cold. Coffee, tea, hot chocolate—hot. Red wine, on the other hand, is a drink served at room temperature. This renowned libation needs no temperature frills to be enjoyed.

As the mercury drops along with the leaves, what we drink must rise to the occasion.  It should warm our bodies and ease the growing academic tension. Unlike shotgunning a tallboy of Budlight, uncorking a nice bottle of red and pouring it into a stemmed glass provides a certain guilt-free pleasure—a sense of class and cultured enjoyment.

While budgets may be tight, you shouldn’t resort to buying a litre and a half of Franzia. Dozens of gems can be found in the 12 to 15 dollar range. Take time and peruse the aisles, browse through France, Italy, South America or Africa. I recommend Argentina’s Tilia Malbec, or, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, California’s Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon. Both provide big flavour on a student budget.

University drinking tends to take on the maxim quantity over quality. Don’t let this define your wine experience. Pour small glasses, take your time, and allow this magnificent fluid to crack through your stresses as you crack open your textbooks.

Wine drinking need not be a solitary experience. Invite a friend, a significant other or even a study buddy—being relaxed and amicable is a great start to getting focused.

But make sure to do it right. Invest in some clear-stemmed glasses—they don’t have to be fancy. The dollar store variety will suffice.

Admire the beautiful fluid, breath deep its rich aromas, taste its dense flavours. Share it freely, drink within reason, and always remember, sip it slow.