Vino and Vinyl
A series where we pair our top 3 songs at the moment with wines.
#1: Murder on the Dancefloor - Sophie Ellis-Bextor
I did watch Saltburn. I was infatuated by that ending scene — but not because of Barry Keoghan bopping around. I loved that end scene because the song playing was just SO perfect. Similar to how Stranger Things brought back a resurgence of Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill (Deal With God), I am ecstatic that Sophie Ellis-Bextor is back in the limelight with this song (even prompting a vinyl release sometime this year). In any case, the song describes a cutthroat environment, full of drama with a catchy, dance-pop, upbeat tempo.
Blanc de Blanc
Blanc de Blancs - in French meaning “white from whites” is a sparkling white wine made from white grapes, usually 100% Chardonnay. Originating in Champagne, it differs from the namesake bubbly as Champagne is typically a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.
Blanc de Blancs from Champagne are usually crisp and clean with lively acidity and slight minerality (and maybe even a yeast component depending on the winemaker’s style).
It’s lively and bubbly - prime for upbeat music - but it also is classic, revamped, just like Murder on the Dancefloor.
#2: Turn On The Lights again… - Fred again…, Swedish House Mafia, Future
This song first came up in a playlist I was listening to while running and wow did it make me dig in. One thing you should know about me is I love Future. Future and Drake’s What a Time To Be Alive album is probably in my top 3 all time albums, but I just love his versatility - he can be deep and melodic, and hype trap the next. His vocals are crazy (yeah autotuned but nonetheless), and it really has an atmospheric feel to it. I’m less familiar with Fred again…, but know how popular his collaborations and use of samples is. The song is a mesmerizing ode to a sense of longing, and a great example of how when many artists come together, it can only enhance the original. Was Future’s sample good on it’s own? Yes. Did Fred again… and Swedish House Mafia’s impromptu recording session elevate it even further? Absolutely.
Argentinian Chardonnay
These wines, specifically from Mendoza, are standouts in the country - if not worldwide. We know folks love Chardonnay, and the industry has since been finding new places to grow the grape - one being in Argentina’s high altitudes. While more difficult to harvest, the result can be a Chardonnay thats unusual and unique (compared to traditional Napa Chardonnays or even Chablis). One standout is the El Enemigo Chardonnay Mendoza from Argentina’s most well-known winemakers, Alejandro Vigil. His approach to winemaking here is different, using more of a Fino Sherry approach which results in toasty, spicy, citrusy and even salty notes. The culmination of the flavors mirrors the collaboration between the three artists, and the racy acidity of the wine keeps things lively and upbeat.
#3: Not My Fault (with Megan Thee Stallion) - Reneé Rapp
I LOVED Leighton Murray in HBO’s Sex Lives of College Girls. Admittedly I didn’t realize what a great artist Reneé Rapp was until her Mean Girls press tour. I knew she released an album but I didn’t know she was THIS good! I’ve listened to Snow Angel but it wasn’t until her SNL performance that I got to hear her music for Mean Girls. And this song! It’s everything I love! Girlie pop rap! Poised self confidence! Rapp’s voice! Megan Thee Stallion! The SNL performance and choreo was everything my little dumb “think-pink” brain could imagine! Consider me a Rapp girlie (no idea what Renee Rapp’s fandom calls themselves).
Brachetto d'Acqui
Brachetto d’Acqui is a DOCG region in Northern Italy that mostly produces Brachetto - a light variety that can be made still and sparkling (spumante). What results is a sweet, frothy, sparkly red wine with primary flavors of strawberry, raspberries and rose petals.
Let me clarify - this is not a rosé. Did I pick it because the flavor notes and color remind me of the SNL performance? Yes. And that’s why it’s a perfect accompaniment to Miss Rapp’s Not My Fault.
