USA! USA! USA!
For as long as I can remember, the Olympics have always captured my attention. The pomp and circumstance of the Opening Ceremony, the electric musical performances, and the competitions have kept me glued to my television screen since I was a little girl. I vaguely remember the ‘92 games in Barcelona, but since the 1996 games in Atlanta, I’ve been seated and tuned in faithfully every four years.
This year’s Olympic Games will be just as spectacular as the City of Light (starting with the Opening Ceremony, because WHAT AM I EVEN WATCHING?! This is jaw-droppingly incredible!) complete with stellar performances on the court, track, field, and mat by talented athletes.
So what better way to celebrate Team USA going for gold than to sip on delicious American wines?!
Below, I’ve paired six wines with the six sports that EYE will be watching enthusiastically over the next few weeks. However, I encourage you to watch all of the sports because, after all, this event only happens once every four years!
Keep scrolling for the juice, and have a great weekend!
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GYMNASTICS + PETIT MANSENG FROM VIRGINIA
I sampled a delicious Pet-it Manseng (called Teacher’s Pet by Common Wealth Crush) during this year’s Wine & Culture Fest two weeks ago, and it immediately reminded me of how Simone Biles-Owens flips, twists, and lands so gracefully in her routines. Virginia wines are special, and Petit Manseng has a bouncy acidity and jubilant notes of pineapple and honey with a nutty finish. Sipping on this chilled will make cheering on ladies and gents of Team USA all the more sensational.
MEN’S BASKETBALL + CABERNET SAUVIGNON FROM CALIFORNIA
For this roster of champions, a big bold red wine aligns with the rich history of this team. And with a few of them already avid wine lovers, I think a vintage bottle of William Cole Vineyards Cuveé Claire Cabernet Sauvignon or Faust Wines The Pact from Coombsville would be ideal to enjoy over dinner after snagging a win.
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL + CHENIN BLANC FOR CALIFORNIA
This eclectic group of athletes has range just like a bottle of Chenin Blanc. If you call, I had a cool partnership with SALDO Wines last year, and I often think about their Chenin Blanc. It has robust tropical fruit flavors with a hint of brown sugar spice that will uplift the deliciousness of any meal.
TRACK & FIELD + SPARKLING WINE FROM NEW MEXICO
The popping of the cork on a bottle of bubbly reminds me of the starter gun at the beginning of every relay race. It’s exciting, energizing, and scares you just enough. Gruet Blanc de Blancs is flavorful with lovely effervescence, bright notes of green apple and lemon zest, and a creamy finish. I’m also just anticipating Sha’Carri, Noah, Sydney, Tara, and so many others to bring home the gold.
TENNIS + PINOT NOIR FROM OREGON
This sport is energetic and fierce, but there’s something regal and classy that keeps me wanting more. Next Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Oregon produces top-tier juice from this very stubborn grape variety. Last year, I had my first and only International Pinot Noir Celebration experience, and it was exhilarating to taste so many different expressions of Pinot Noir – from sparkling to still to sweet. Chosen Family, Brooks, Kosta Browne, Eden Rift, Division, Rex Hill, and Cho Wines are just a few of the producers I’d recommend pouring up for the tournaments.
SWIMMING + RIESLING FROM MICHIGAN
With this pairing, I thought it was important that there was some sort of splash element (I know, corny.) While I have to return to Traverse City for a full experience, I know for a fact that Riesling from the Great Lake State aligns with the excitement of watching athletes gracefully glide in the water.
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Absolutely love these recommendations! Faust Cabernets are the staple of our wedding anniversary dinners, so happy to see them shouted out