When I was in my late teens I became a vegetarian and followed that diet for many years. I’m a pescatarian now (that means I eat a vegetarian diet + fish). I originally became a vegetarian due to the politics of food more than for any other reason.
I grew up in the country and saw fewer and fewer family farms and more large, corporate farms buying up the land. Subsequently, the majority of profits from farming started to go to large corporations versus to the families who live on and work the land. Most of the land was being used to produce meat and I banned meat as a personal protest against this trend.
I knew that my protest wouldn’t change anything, but I was a idealist with Kantian sense of duty. And so I lived with actions borne from my beliefs.
I’ve also long had an affinity for organic foods and locally-grown produce. About ten years ago I started noticing the phrase “fair trade” on some products—organic products and coffee in particular. This phrase really resonated with me as it is all about creating an equitable balance in trade with farmers and other product producers. In particular, fair trade efforts are focused on workers and producers in regions where they have been most taken advantage of.
Melania Coleccion Especial Cabernet Sauvignonis an example of a wine that is produced with grapes that are organic and fair trade. I’ve heard some wine drinkers say that they are leery of Chilean wines because they aren’t sure of the chemicals used in production. Well, if that’s the case, here’s the wine for you to try.
Melania wines are produced by Viña Lomas de Cauquenes in the Maule Valley of Chile. In 1995, Viña Lomas de Cauquenes was the first vineyard in Chile to receive Organic Certification. And they are one of only two vineyards in Chile to with FLO Fair Trade Certification.
The Melania Coleccion Especial Cabernet Sauvignon is also a very enjoyable wine. I found it to be rather earthy and nicely balanced. Chocolate, plum and currant flavors prevail. It is nice and smooth. I recommend it and gave it an 87. Plus it only cost $8.99 and I know that the workers got an equitable share of that price, which makes it taste even better.
Wine: Melania Coleccion Especial
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage: 2004
Alcohol: 13.2%
Rating: 87
