Music and wine pairing. What if we combine those two somewhat. At least to try. What a combo it might be, right?
Back in 2009, archaeologists digging in a cave in southern Germany discovered a flute carved from a vulture’s wing bone. Wait, what? This fragile piece is actually the oldest known musical instrument on Earth, showing that humans have been making music for over 40,000 years. Mind-blowing, right? A Stone Age jam session! And here I thought the ‘70s counted as oldies.
Now, what about wine? That’s a bit trickier. No one can say for sure. The strongest evidence points to the Georgians around 6000 BC as the earliest winemakers, but it’s totally possible wine was brewed elsewhere even earlier, we just haven’t uncovered proof yet. Plenty of time to keep digging!
In ancient Rome and Greece, people didn’t have many drink options just a handful of fruit juices, warm goat’s milk, or stagnant water. Honestly, I’m glad wine showed up on the scene. I’m definitely not into warm goat’s milk. Imagine being at a party and getting served that... warm!
Since I’m chatting about both wine and music, you better believe this wasn’t written with a dry glass or dry speakers. I’m enjoying two or three glasses of Pinot Grigio, yes, Pinot Grigio! Wine snobs, deal with it. Everyone’s got their guilty pleasure. And it’s perfectly ‘paired’ with one of my favorite bands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz_7OCCQlXs
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is probably the top-selling white wine grape worldwide, and it’s no surprise why. It offers everything from buttery, oaky flavors to fresh notes of pear, apple, citrus, and melon, leaving a lasting impression. Whether it’s a Chablis, Pouilly-Fuissé, or Meursault, Burgundy’s Chardonnays show off all sides of this amazing grape.
I call it the “Love-Hate grape” because you just can’t get enough of it, even if every bottle isn’t perfect. And yes, like the Rolling Stones’ classic “Satisfaction” with its unforgettable riff, Chardonnay has that same bold, addictive vibe.
So next time you open a Chardonnay, blast some Stones, sit back, and enjoy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poXvMBhjSWk
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the grape behind some of Italy’s finest reds, Barolo and Barbaresco from Piedmont. No wonder it’s called ‘The King of Piedmont Grapes,’ ‘The Royal Grape,’ or even ‘Queen of Red Grapes.’ King, Queen... why not just Royal? This grape truly has it all.
It’s full of contrasts: rose petal aromas mixed with earthy tar, and a delicate colour that hides a powerful, layered structure. That’s a true King....or Queen! Speaking of queens, Queen’s bold “Bohemian Rhapsody” is one of my favorites. Like Nebbiolo, it breaks boundaries and is packed with complexity.
Just like that song, great Nebbiolo wines spark creativity: "Scaramouche, Scaramouche / Will you do the Fandango?"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a cheeky, independent grape that usually goes solo, except in Champagne. Young Pinot wines are fresh and bright, while older ones can get a bit funky. Sound familiar? Like ABBA’s classic “Dancing Queen,” one of the greatest pop songs ever. Who wouldn’t want to dance to it with a glass of Pinot in hand?
Light, versatile, and often enjoyed chilled, Pinot Noir is perfect any time of year. One glass is reason enough for another. Called the ‘Holy Grail of grapes,’ it’s Burgundy’s treasure but loved worldwide. ABBA and Pinot Noir,because everyone deserves to dance like a queen. Wine not?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s
Riesling
Ah, Riesling! One of the classic great white grapes, yet often misunderstood and underappreciated. As Terry Theise says, “If Chardonnay is a lap dance, then Riesling is a slow-burning tantric orgasm of flavor.” Honestly, who can argue with that? Riesling’s style changes with every country, from steely dry to super sweet, even crisp sparkling wines. It makes you feel alive and positive, kind of like Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On a Prayer.”
I like to imagine Bon Jovi sipping a glass of Riesling when they wrote that song. Have you seen the video? The energy and acidity totally scream Riesling. If you’ve never heard the song or tried the wine, add both to your shopping list and playlist. Trust me, together they’ll have you shouting, “Woah, we’re halfway there,” and reaching for that second bottle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk
Merlot
Merlot is one of the world’s most popular grapes, but it’s had a rough time thanks to one infamous movie line:“If anyone orders Merlot, I’m leaving. I’m not drinking any f***ing Merlot.”Really? All that hate for such a gentle grape? Poor Merlot! Despite the drama, it’s still thriving like Rocky Balboa in Rocky III, fighting back with the ‘Eye of the Tiger.’ What a song, and just like Merlot, it inspires and moves so many of us.
Let’s take a moment to remember all those delicious Bordeaux wines we’ve enjoyed, or wish we had. Fun fact: most Bordeaux blends have Merlot in them! Glad I got that off my chest; it was a heavy burden.
Now I’m thinking of recreating that iconic Rocky run up the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps hopefully with enough breath left to sip my Merlot. But hey, YOLO!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btPJPFnesV4
Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is one of those grapes that doesn’t need an introduction once it’s turned into wine. It’s that cool, effortlessly popular person at a party, the one in the corner who draws you in just by being themselves. Today, Sauvignon Blanc’s reach spans from France to South America, South Africa to New Zealand. It’s beloved everywhere, and I hope it stays that way.
This grape is pure Flower Power, stealing a ‘Piece of My Heart’ just like Janis Joplin’s unforgettable voice. And even when you think you’ve had enough, you’ll still want just one more sip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uG2gYE5KOs
Cabernet Sauvignon
Call it the Mona Lisa of grapes, the Louvre of wines, the Mike Tyson of flavors, or come up with your own clever nickname. Cabernet Sauvignon is the full package: medium to full-bodied, complex, and built to age. It’s the most planted grape on Earth, thriving anywhere there’s sun and warmth, from Chile to China.
No need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy a Cabernet; opening a bottle is the occasion. It makes you feel classy, lucky, and ready to “forget about life for a while.” Maybe Billy Joel had it right when he sang “Piano Man.” Who knows, maybe he had a glass of Cabernet in hand while playing that piano. We should probably call and ask!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxEPV4kolz0
''At the end of the day, you really can’t make a wrong choice.
As long as you pay attention to what it is that you don’t like about a wine
each bottle will get you closer to what you do like.
Take it one glass at a time!''