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"Get What You Deserve"
by Derek Trucks from Already Free
Wine Pairing: 2007 Santa Julia’s Organic Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza,
Argentina
Reason Why:
“Get What You Deserve" has an up-tempo stomp,
with a truly homegrown and organic flavor, and would best be paired with
Santa Julia’s Organic Cabernet Sauvignon. They are both brilliant and
truly improvisational and inspirational. The song features strong
brilliants with the musical instruments such as the clavinet, Wurlitzer
piano and has a gritty boggie woggie guitarist, Derek Trucks. The rich
rustic soulfully rock and roll adds to the deep currant flavors, black
cherries, and black currant notes, an overtones of vanilla, oak and
tobacco that are found within this deep ruby red Cabernet . The homegrown
organic looseness that is found in both sets the two apart from all other
pairs. “Enjoy the spicy soulfulness of both with grilled meats and sharp
cheese, and don’t forget to invite friends this pair is too good to keep
to yourself. You will truly get what you deserve with this pair!!!
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-June G. |
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"Get What You Deserve"
by Derek Trucks from Already Free
Wine Pairing: A racy, rambunctious new world Zin, no question!
Reason Why:
A zesty fruit-forward, spicy Zin is just what
the doctor ordered for the down and dirty blues tunes - something that
bursts off the taste buds and reflects the cavalier attitude of dirty
south blues music. A varietal with roots so intricately tied to US history
pays homage to a music genre that is so classically American. The ripe
fruit and acidity will not only complement the song but also the saucy
barbecue ribs that complete the picture!
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-Deborah S. |
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"Get What You Deserve"
by Derek Trucks from Already Free
Wine Pairing: Dry Rose's of Gamay
Reason Why:
The music is fun, lively and danceable...the
perfect complement to this joyful energy is the light, crisp strawberry
flavor of a Dry Rose' of Gamay. Both have the depth and complexity to keep
your interest, while the lively vibe make both easy to enjoy. The cool
wine is easy to sip while grooving, not too heavy to keep those dance feet
moving.
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-Wendy P. |
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"Bad Habits"
by Maxwell from
BLACKsummers'night
Wine Pairing: 2002 Chateau de Vie Cabernet Sauvignon
Reason Why:
2002 Chateau de Vie Cabernet Sauvignon with it’
is dark and peppery notes reminds me of the Video of Bad Habits which
vividly illustrates the addiction Maxwell has for the flesh. This bold,
spicy wine is very flavorful, with a fine long finish, just as Maxwell
laments in Bad Habits that addicted lovers never want their trysts to end,
and their attraction constantly simmers just as the ripeness of this wine
pushes it’s tannins below the surface. Built to accompany steaks, stews
and rich roasts, it’s an excellent sipper; just as Maxwell sings about
slippin around his bad habit, and can’t break away from her. Maxwell
continuously laments he can’t control his feelings; like one will continue
to sip this flavorful wine that is so fleshy on the tongue. As this song
instrumentally grooves to the end, so does this wine…
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-Cheryl T. |
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"Bad Habits"
by Maxwell from BLACKsummers'night
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Reason Why:
Sauvignon blanc is a wine that is not too heavy
but not too light. This wine comes to mind first because the song starts
off so light and soft and then the horns come in to change the tone. The
song gets a little heavier as you realize the contrast of feelings being
expressed about the bad habit. Sauvignon blanc offers a wide range of
flavors from an herbal taste to something tropical. A bad habit can often
create a wide range of feelings. You can hear the sense of pleasure and
the feeling of conflict in Maxwell’s voice. Much like the wine is acidic,
the song is sharp but not intense.
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-Tiffany H. |
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"Bad Habits"
by Maxwell from BLACKsummers'night
Wine Pairing: 2007 Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel
Reason Why:
If you've ever tried to convince a cynic of the
merits of a well-crafted Zin, you know that often they find it hard to
believe that the grape is capable of a smooth, lush, complex
wine--thinking instead of the usual substandard offerings. Maxwell is as
different from the average r&b artist as the 2007 Seghesio Old Vine
Zinfandel is from your run of the mill White Zin.
Maxwell has always stood out to me as an example of what r&b and neo-soul
can be. Smooth, yes. Cloying or overly manufactured, never. Similarly,
Seghesio creates wines that showcase the wonderful flavors and complexity
of an often overlooked, or just plain misused, grape. This particular
track opens an album that Maxwell fans have been awaiting for 8 years.
While "Bad Habits" is as smooth and sultry as any of his previous work, it
is clear that the time off has added a depth of character that can only
come with time. His falsetto is as sweet and stirring as ever but it
rides a well structured groove that deepens slowly and finally opens up
and swings at just the right moment. As he moves into his chest voice,
slightly huskier with time, the horns swell and you find yourself in the
middle of an all out "grown-folks" jam.
The 50 plus year old vines used to craft the Old Vine blend have
definitely reached a similar maturity. The wine bursts with berry flavor,
both on the nose and on the palette. The wine, however, is not dominated
by fruit and has clearly been crafted by winemakers that crave depth. It
is balanced, well structured and opens beautifully. Its slightly jammy
texture fills the mouth sublimely finishing with the perfect hint of
spice. The wine, like the track, is smooth, lush, complex and just plain
sexy. They stand as two wonderful examples of superior harmony at
work...and what is possible at the right time in the right hands.
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-Tenelle C. |
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"Spring"
by Joshua Bell from Vivaldi The Four
Seasons
Wine Pairing: Grand Cru Cote de Nuits red Burgundy
Reason Why:
Classical music is inherently a reference to
tradition. Here, the reference is made to an iconic composition by a true
master-- “The Four Seasons” by Vivaldi; it is a reference made by a
virtuoso of that classical tradition, Joshua Bell, who plays on a
Stradivarius, the epitome of lutherie. With respect to tradition,
distinction, and sheer joy, the experience of drinking Grand Cru Cote de
Nuits red Burgundy is fully described by this week‘s song. The initial
attack, full of vivacity and intensity, yields to an impossible lightness,
but persisting is that undercurrent of explosive power. The wine, the
song, focus without being overwhelmed, lasting long after the last sip,
the last note… still enticing the senses…
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-Henry F. |
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"Spring"
by Joshua Bell from Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Wine Pairing: Barefoot Pinot Grigio
Reason Why:
Barefoot Pinot Grigio is very smooth, not too
dry, not too sweet. Just as the song is quck & lively, the wine is crisp,
bright, & quick to the palate. Also, just as the song has a variety of
notes from low to high, the wine has a good variety of flavors, which can
be detected separately by the discerning taster, but blend very well to
create the excellent smooth taste.
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-David B. |
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"Spring"
by Joshua Bell from Vivaldi The Four Seasons
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay/Corton Charlemagne Grand Cru/Burgundy, France
Reason Why:
The opening strains of “Spring” may be one of
the most well known pieces of Baroque music, certainly one of Vivaldi’s
best known.
This music is so elegant and regal that it must have a regal wine. Legend
has it that the Corton was actually owned by the legendary Holy Roman
Emperor, Charlemagne, 1300 years ago. This wine is golden as a crown and
is springtime in a glass, not only its fruits, but its rains, moss and
stones. The wine flows like the movements, stately and elegant, and a
trifle mineral and melancholy in its finish.
I could have chosen an Italian wine, but Vivaldi was beloved by Louis XV
of France, who commissioned many works from the Italian master and
“Spring” was a particular favorite.
Violinist Joshua Bell handles this movement with the same grace and
virtuosity, as these prestigious winemakers handle the Chardonnay grape.
Corton Charlemagne is a wine of Kings that is tailor-made for the music of
Kings!
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-Ted O. |
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"Take 5"
by Dave Brubeck from Time Out
Wine Pairing: Joseph Drouhin Premier Cru Chablis
Reason Why:
Wine Pairing Explanation: With apologies to Joe Morello, the essence of
this song is Paul Desmond’s alto sax. This is true of the entire album,
but that’s a discussion for another day. So the question of pairing is
simply this: what wine best complements Desmond’s unmistakable marriage of
concision and elegance with playfulness and exuberance? The answer is not
obvious (jazz is easier than wine, in most cases), but Burgundy offers
some intriguing possibilities. I thought at first that a red Burgundy
would answer to the occasion, but even this most ethereal of wines was too
weighty, too tannic (it’s true!) to balance Desmond in 4/4, let alone 5/4
time. Luckily, they make white wine in Burgundy, too. A Chablis, as it
turns out, is an excellent companion to the relaxed brilliance of Desmond
and company. Joseph Drouhin’s 2006 Premier Cru ably fits the bill here.
Its fruit – mainly orange peel and soft lemon – is immediately appealing,
but an underlying stoniness snaps your palate to attention, making it
clear that this is wine that is serious in its offer of delight. In much
the same way, “Take Five” is a song that joins pure lyrical pleasure with
a clear understanding that something rather extraordinary just happened as
you were listening.
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-James C. |
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"Take 5"
by Dave Brubeck from Time Out
Wine Pairing: 2004 Mariah Zinfandel Mendecino Ridge
Reason Why:
Wine Pairing Explanation: Like jazz, the zinfandel grape has uniquely
American qualities. The 2004 Mariah Zin and "Take Five" have many things
in common. They both rely on a subtle inner balance for their appeal, not
overwrought ripeness and power. The balance of the sax melody with the
ever-present, tension building piano and rhythm ostinato compares well to
the expansive aromas, initial tannic quality and berry like fruit of the
wine. A very enjoyable combination.
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-Ronnie B. |
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"Take 5"
by Dave Brubeck from Time Out
Wine Pairing: Champagne
Reason Why:
With Take 5, Dave Brubeck made a timeless song
that was wildly popular yet also appealed to one’s intellect. With that in
mind, I can think of no better pairing than Champagne. One of the world’s
most universally wines, Champagne is prized by the wine geek for its
subtle autolytic notes, and foodies for its infinite pairing
possibilities. Its light, crisp character matches the song’s upbeat tone,
and its effervescence mirrors the unconventional time signature. Champagne
is fashionable and timeless, just like Brubeck’s Take 5.
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-Sam
D. |
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"Machine Gun"
Jan Vogler from Experience:
Live from New York
Wine Pairing: SAKE-Midorikawa Shuzo "Midorikawa" Daiginjo, Niigata
Reason Why:
The music sounds as though it could have been
composed to compliment a Kabuki performance and the similarity brings me
to connect the two from the point that many Taiko musical drums are made
from discarded wine aging barrels. Making the connection even more
amazing is when you consider that the sake generally hovers in the
background, as opposed to being an in-your-face flavor; like the music of
Machine Gun. This makes for a more rustic and complex experience, smooth
and silky like the filaments of the fine guitar strings. Kanpai!
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-Paul A. |
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"Machine Gun"
Jan Vogler from Experience: Live from New York
Wine Pairing: Dr. Loosen Riesling
Reason Why:
Wow Woodstock and Hendricks all grown up! The
over notes and the combination of the strings and woodwinds were
fantastic. When I listened to this song I thought of the cool European
mornings and the fantastic white grapes they grow there. I also thought
about the wine class I took with the good Doctor and his knowledge of this
fine wine. He told us of dry years, wet years, cold years and hot years,
which inturn made me think of a great time 40 years ago in Upstate New
York. But then again I thought they did a great job of including enough
of Jimmy's original to let me know they haven't forgotten the root of the
song.
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-Don H. |
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"Machine Gun"
Jan Vogler from Experience: Live from New York
Wine Pairing: Red Zinfandel
Reason Why:
The piece of music began simply and light then
grew into a more complex and heavy piece.
I believe that Red Zinfandel is a good pairing for the piece for same
reasons. When you get your first taste of a Zinfandel is seems to be a
lighter wine. However, it becomes a more robust and heavier wine.
The are very compatible partners. You would not want a white wine that
would be easily overcome by the heavy music. You need a more complex wine
to go with the complexities of the music.
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-Angelique
P. |
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"Lullaby Fantazia"
Eldar from Virtue
Wine Pairing: Pommery Champagne!
Reason Why:
The underlying driving cymbal and arpeggio
figures in the piano suggest a fine bubbly beverage, one where the bubbles
are tiny enough to remain constant but rise ever so slowly. The syncopated
piano melody and later the improvisation suggest a complex structure and
attention to detail in the creation of the Champagne. The mood of the song
is relaxing as is the experience of sipping a bubbly beverage, even as
bubbles pop just under the nose. The song ends in a suspended unresolved
cadence, as a fine Champagne at it's last sip might prepare and inspire
one to enjoy the rest of an evening in the best of spirits, whether fancy
or romantic.
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-Jared D. |
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"Lullaby Fantazia"
Eldar from Virtue
Wine Pairing: 2007 "Spellbound" Chardonnay, Napa, CA
Reason Why:
As the pianist lulls his subject into his
"Lullaby Fantazia", only one wine comes to mind. At exactly 4:38 seconds
into the song, 10 seconds of repetitive notes holds you SPELLBOUND to his
world. You can picture the spinning hypnotic wheel in your mind as you
are spellbound to continue your journey. Just as a great Chardonnay will
pull you into its relaxing lullaby and then hit you with complex flavors
and sensations, so does this song. It holds you Spellbound into its world
with no return. A real lullaby is for a baby....but a fantasy lullaby is
for wine drinkers who fall into the world of sweet relaxation, just like a
baby in its mothers arms!
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-Leigh Ann R. |
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"Lullaby Fantazia"
Eldar from Virtue
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc
Reason Why:
The music created an image for me of a
fast-moving mountain stream. It flows around and over rocks (the
drummer's cymbal). This made a white wine a must. After the first half,
the music seemed to broaden and deepen like the stream near the bottom of
the incline - still simple, but a bit more complex. The wine should have a
pale color with a sharp freshness with mineral and soft citric notes
reflecting the purity of a mountain brook,
simple, straightforward, and a bit complex - Sauvignon
Blanc.
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-Charles B. |
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"Waiting for the Sun"
The Jayhawks from
Music From The North Country
Wine Pairing: American Late Harvest Riesling (from New York, Washington,
or Oregon)
Reason Why:
To generalize, this song by the Jayhawks appeals
to young hipsters who tend to congregate around the music scenes in
Williamsburg-Brooklyn, Portland, and Seattle where dreary weather ignites
the creative spirit. Called “Waiting for the Sun,” this song would
complement the grape of a late-harvest white wine especially a homegrown,
American from the same terroir as the musicians and their audience.
Sitting on the vine in the latter months of the year, this grape
poetically waits in conditions of low sunlight and cold—“waiting for the
sun” that was readily available for earlier harvests. Judging by wines’
popularity with young adults, I also think that this New World wine
appeals to a kindred determination for budding success and burgeoning
greatness—an optimism that is inherent in the song, as well.
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-Juliet R. |
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"Waiting for the Sun"
The Jayhawks from Music From The North Country
Wine Pairing: Vidal Icewine
Reason Why:
This is a song that I would listen to at the end
of the night. Its music and lyrics are appropriate for the end of an
enjoyable evening or function and would prep you for "walking on down the
road". Inniskillin Vidal Icewine is also appropriate for the end of a
meal or evening. It is refreshing and allow you to leave in a great mmod.
The bright flavors of the wine would be a good contrast to the driving
beat of the msuic. It is also appropriate in that grapes for icewine are
left on the vines in the chill of winter and are "waiting for the sun".
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-Peter L. |
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"Waiting for the Sun"
The Jayhawks from Music From The North Country
Wine Pairing: Northern Vineyards Pinot Noir
Reason Why:
The Jay Hawks hail from Minnesota so it's
fitting that my selection comes from a winery in the 'North Country' as
well. Growers of the heartbreak grape certainly spend plenty of time
'Waiting for the Sun' especially in this northern climate. The
correlations between the style of this wine and music are 'Not Lost on
Me.' Pinot Noir has a lighter body than most red wines yet its enticing
black cherry aroma and earthy flavor make it very drinkable; while
Alternative Rock has a lighter style than Classic Rock 'N Roll, influences
of folk and country music add complexity to this song making it very
enjoyable, especially with a great glass of wine!
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-Renee R. |
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"Tu Conga Bach"
Tiempo Libre from Bach In
Havana
Wine Pairing: 2006 CIGARZIN - California zinfandel
Reason Why:
Bach in Havana: When I think of "Havana," I
think of world-renowned Cuban cigars. And what better to pair with a
genuine Cubano than a wine crafted just for that purpose... and titled for
it too...Cigarzin: A zinfandel first released during the American cigar
craze, that is specifically tailored to compliment your prized Cohiba. Of
course Bach himself would have approved of a zinfandel/primitivo, as he
took great inspiration from the Italian counterpoint musical style, and
was known for being an ardent enthusiast for Italian wine. The Cigarzin
is a complex wine, with notes of clove and nutmeg, and a lingering finish
reminiscent of sweet tobacco, the Cigarzin is a perfect pairing that will
not only hold it's own, but also bring out the best in your journey into
the rhythm-filled Havana night... Salud!
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-Todd S. |
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"Tu Conga Bach"
Tiempo Libre from Bach In Havana
Wine Pairing: Pinot Blanc-Pinot Bianco
Reason Why:
Since the music is so hot and reminicent of
Island and South American locations I thought that a "cooling" refreshing
Pinot Blanc would be a nice pairing from 2 points of view; 1) The flavors
typical of this white are citrius, melon, a little apricot---(much like
thses island's produce) and 2) what goes nicer with shellfish and seafood
in general? Some even have a little 'effervesence' to them, not unlike
the music. Also, can be enjoyed as a sipping beverage to accompany you
through a few "samba" moves!
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-Mark L. |
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"Tu Conga Bach"
Tiempo Libre from Bach In Havana
Wine Pairing: Rioja Bordon 2005 Crianza
Reason Why:
This rioja is a perfect pairing for Tiempro
Libre's Bach in Havana because both are modern, spicy and balanced. The
music's balance of strong percussion, powerful trumpet and lively vocals
echo the balance and complexity of the intense fruit and oak-produced
spiciness in the wine!
I'd like to enjoy this wonderful pairing on a warm summer night with a
tangy barbeque dish right from the grill - delicioso!
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-Lori C. |
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"Evil Ways"
Santana from The Woodstock
Experience
Wine Pairing: Malbec from Argentina
Reason Why:
A latin wine for a latin song. Listening to
Santana’s lyrics, “… you’ve got to change your evil ways. ” MAL(evil) BEC
has changed from its original bold French past to a to one with softer
tannins yet still retaining a deep inky red (evil) color. With a hint of
vanilla or blackberry fruit to soften it, one can sip it while listening
to the song several times over.
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-John B. |
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"Evil Ways"
Santana from The Woodstock Experience
Wine Pairing: Riesling from the Fingerlakes of New York
Reason Why:
Whenever you're at a festival like Woodstock you
have to partake in a locally produced product. Nothing will cool you off
in those temperatures like a glass of brisk, lively dry Riesling, except
maybe coating your body in mud. Then sit back and relax as the music of
Santana floats from your mind to the rest of your body, melding perfectly
with that deliciously cool beverage.
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-Sean S. |
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"Evil Ways"
Santana from The Woodstock Experience
Wine Pairing: On the Edge 2002 Zinfandel "Frediani"
Reason Why:
Zinfandel, like the Santana song "Evil Ways,"
offers us excitement, pleasure, and spice. The full-bodied wine with its
peppery flavors, spicy aromas, and full-on complexity pairs perfectly with
Santana's smooth and melodic rhythms meant for moving to. Play this song
on a summer night outdoors with friends and tiki torches. Sip the
Zinfandel and let the music and the wine move and groove you.
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-Stacy F. |
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"America"
West Side Story: The Broadway Cast Recording
Wine Pairing: Schramsberg's 2006 Querencia Brut Rose
Reason Why:
When Anita, Bernardo and Maria came to
Manhattan, they came seeking the best America has to offer. As one of
America's premier sparking wine producers, Schramsberg definitely fits
that bill.
This brut rose, with its nose of "hundreds of flowers in full bloom" and
bubbly taste of "pineapples growing," would have been perfect drink to
welcome them. American grapes with a Spanish name -- what could be
better?
Querencia is a Spanish word that means "the deep and abiding affection one
has for the place one calls home." Surely the Sharks and their families
knew the word and felt this affection both for new place they called home
on the Upper West Side, and the home they left in Puerto Rico.
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-Josh P. |
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"America"
West Side Story: The Broadway Cast Recording
Wine Pairing: Americana Vineyards, Americana NV Blush, NY, Finger Lakes
(Cayuga)
Reason Why:
Americana NV Blush is a perfect wine to pair
with "America" because the wine and song share the same name.
Americana NV Blush is bottled in New York State which plays homage to West
Side Story because the musical is not only set in New York City, but also
is where it opened on Broadway on September 26, 1957.
In the opening lines of "America," Rosalia sings
Puerto Rico,
You lovely island . . .
Island of tropical breezes.
Always the pineapples growing,
Always the coffee blossoms blowing . . .
These lyrics pair well with the wine's tasting notes: "A Blush wine with
the color and taste of peaches. Delicious served with fresh fruit, shrimp
or chicken salad.
"
The wine is called Americana which connects it to the United States of
America and the title of the song. The tasting notes remind one of Puerto
Rico.
While drinking a glass of American NV Blush and listening to "America," I
would recommend dining on a Grilled Pineapple and Shrimp Salad.
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-Romayne K. |
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"America"
West Side Story: The Broadway Cast Recording
Wine Pairing: 2004 Kana Winery Workingman's Red (Yakima Valley,
Washington)
Reason Why:
This Bernstein masterpiece blends the spicy,
peppery 6/8 with the rich, romantic 3/4 time signatures. The song is a
melding of American and Puerto Rican cultures - distinctly different, yet
always in harmony.
This Yakima Valley red is a pefect blend of typically American Zinfandel
with typically Latin American Malbec and some Petit Verdot. It's fruity,
spicy nose and distinct lush berry palate, with just enough spice and
tannin, finish in perfect harmony. This wine and this song are natural, if
not perfect, complements.
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-Nunzio N. |
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