Zen In A Bottle

Spiritualists, meditators, sages, swamis, musicians and dope heads repeatedly pontificate that "The Moment is Now", "Seek Enlightenment", "Brace Uncertainty", "Change Your Attitude", "Espouse Constant Positivity", "Live Like You're Dying", "Work Hard, But Let It Be", "Detach!", "Lose control!  Be free!"  Oh man. 

My own interpretation, "Freakin Live a Little!"

So what better way to practice what they preach with a little...or maybe a lot...of Prosecco Spumante!  Or for the less bubbly, less in tune with their inner psycho, a glass of Frizzante, Italia's less sparkling variety. 

No boozer by any means but I do enjoy a little frizzy and an occasional belt and cackle of "ehrrr body in da club gettin tipsy!"  And for some reason, I savor the flavor of Prosecco (and its snazzier French bien amie, Champagne).  With its overtures of any combination of citrus, lemon, melon, apple, white peach, apricot, almonds or honey (aka the entire produce section), this fermented group of white grapes from the Veneto region classifies as a par-taaay in your mouth, even sans accompaniment.

Served chilled, Prosecco finds itself in bars, clubs and restaurantes all over the world and refreshes the palate and mood for a very spritzy economic exchange.  Fermented in large community friendly tanks, Italy's famous bubbly proves much cheaper than its high-maintenance friend, Champagne, which requires each individual bottle be turned then massaged, caressed, cajoled, whispered sweet nothings too and yes begs apologies for the minutest transgression.  Alas, the price for the French experience of drops of nectar from the gods on those parched, dry lips.  So while in Italy, at least, I stick to my down-to-earth friend and loyal companion, Prosecco. 

Of course, consume your fill of Italy's sparkling best wherever you reside but at some point vow to find your spiritual bliss in this country of renaissance with a little bottle of effervescence.

Transcendental Juice of the Day: 

Don't worry, be happy. 

Celebrate with Frizzante. 

And when all else fails, choose Spumante!

Salute Italia!