Happy Thursday, y’all.
This week while I was going about my normal workday, I switched from my worship playlist to my mid-day grooving playlist and I landed on one of my favorite songs – ‘After the Dance’ by Marvin Gaye.
This man was OUT OF SIGHT, okay!?!?
Naturally, I put it on repeat for a few minutes and stepped around the living room. But then quickly remembered the 2011 song “Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay” by Big Sean feat. Kanye West and Roscoe Dash. This tune (while a complete bop of its time) has its own raunchy agenda and merely gives a quick nod to the legendary Prince of Soul.
And then I wondered - how did they even land at the pairing of “Marvin Gaye and Chardonnay”? I’m sure it was the luck of the songwriter’s draw – the words rhyme and everyone in their early 20s at the time(myself included) was totally into Chardonnay. As luck would have it, I opened a bottle of 2021 Banshee Sonoma County Chardonnay (find my notes below) for kicks a few days before – so when 4:59 PM rolled around, I poured myself a glass, and pressed play on Mr. Gaye’s 1976 album “I Want You (Deluxe Edition)”.
And what do you know - there’s something magical that takes over. The velvety harmonies coming from the speakers synced perfectly with the notes of pear and lemon, the zippy acidity, and the creamy finish that danced in my glass and along my palate.
Why had I waited so long to test this pairing? And if any of you knew that this was a sensational matchup, how come you didn’t tell me?!?
The moral of this story – make time this weekend to two-step around your crib while listening to Marvin Gaye and sipping on Chardonnay. Your soul will thank you.
NEW-ish WORK
In my latest for VOICES by MAZE ROW, I spotlight six wine events that you should absolutely put on your radar to visit next year. Click below to download the issue for free, and flip to page 94 to read the story in its entirety!
WINE NEWS YOU CAN USE
This is absolutely something we all should be concerned about.
I may have to go ahead and treat myself to this epic new wine accessory.
Not my favorite sparkling wine hitting us with “The Artist Formerly Known As” energy!!?
Congratulations to the 2023 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Award Winners! I had the incredible privilege to pen the profiles for the Social Visionary and American Winery of the Year.
Andddd, BIG CONGRATULATIONS to my friend Sarah Pierre and the 3 Parks Wine Shop team for being crowned the Retail/MarketPlace of the Year! ATL, stand up and go support!
CATCH ME OUTSIDE
This Sunday, WE BRUNCH!
Join me for a wine brunch at The Tribe Supper Club in West Loop. Fun fact: the wine cocktails I’ve curated for the event are based on articles I’ve written in the past. How cool is that?!? Next week, I’ll share which ones were on the menu–but if you’re in Chicago, I’d love to see you there! Click here to get your tickets!
WHAT I’M SIPPIN’ ON
As I mentioned above, I opened the 2021 Banshee Sonoma Country Chardonnay mostly because it was Monday and I was in the mood for white wine.
Aromas of jasmine, pear, and lemon zest immediately jumped out of the glass, but on the palate, the texture was succulent and creamy, with notes of oak and very brilliant acidity and minerality.
(The more I think about it, the more sad I become that the bottle is now finished. HA!)
Last June, I spent a few days in Healdsburg and visited Banshee’s old tasting room (they’re opening a new one at the end of the month!) and shared space with head winemaker Alicia Sylvester. What I loved most about the experience was Alicia’s passion for her work and serving her guests and customers the best wine possible. Her energy is also tons of fun and it’s been great to connect with her over the last few years.
ABOVE: The wines we had during our pizza party at Banshee’s old location in Healdsburg (June 2022)
Next week, we’ll get into the nitty gritty of Thanksgiving wines, and why you shouldn’t take pairing them with your menu too seriously.
Cheers!
-cc
Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. ‘Preciate you!