Saluting the Soil

Asked to name the most famous vineyards in France, many wine pros would say the vineyards of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in Burgundy. The Domaine produces wine from seven tiny Grand Cru parcels: Echézeaux, Grands Echézeaux, Richebourg, Romanée-St. Vivant, Le Montrachet, La Tâche and Romanée-Conti. The last two vineyards (just 14.8 acres and 4.4 acres respectively) date from the early 16^th century. (Interestingly, the DRC is the sole exception to the French law that prohibits a Burgundian estate from being named after a specific vineyard). So legendary are these seven vineyards that the French military salutes them when passing.

In what country did the practice of coloring eggs for Easter originate?

A. Turkey

B. Russia

C. Greece

D. Georgia

The practice of dyeing eggs for Easter originated in Greece where the custom is a deeply felt religious ritual. The eggs are dyed on Holy Thursday (the Thursday preceding Easter Sunday) and are eaten after midnight mass on Holy Saturday as a way of breaking the Lenten fast. In Greece, Easter eggs are always dyed red, symbolizing the blood of Jesus Christ, while the egg itself represents life and regeneration. In some parts of northern Greece, the eggs are also hand painted with figures, often of birds—a symbol of resurrection.

“Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, I’m finding enjoyment in things that stop time. Just the simple act of tasting a glass of wine is its own event. You’re not downing a glass of wine in the midst of doing something else.”

—David Hyde Pierce, Actor

Saluting the Soil

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