Sommelier Playlist: Summer Songs with Summer Wines

photo Sai Kiran Anagani via Unsplash

Refreshing wines for singin’ and  sippin’ along to classic summer tunes

Well, we are halfway through 2020, if that’s any consolation. Summer (cruel or not) is here. Though this warm-weather season may be a bit different than others gone by, two things remain in fashion: songs of summer and jazzy wines perfect for outdoorsy things.

What do songs and wine have in common, anyway? A lot. Artistic expression can manifest in many ways. Poems often describe a visual we can’t see, using the words and rhythm to paint a photo in our minds. The Sommelier Playlist aims to do the same by using a new (and fun) way to describe and relate the two by using familiar aspects of wine (i.e. winemaking philosophies, locations, general taste) and authentically match them to lyrics and melodies in music—or the other way around. Sit back, we’ve done this before. We’ve celebrated wine and songs for Valentine’s Day, Christmas, and last we left off, for Mariah Carey’s 50th birthday. 

You might be asking, “Hey, what is a ‘song of summer’ anyway?” Much like a summer blockbuster, (remember when we could go to the movies?) a “song of summer” is a definitive anthem of the season that captures audiences with its easy, breezy lyrics that inspire a carefree attitude and some fun in the sun.  Basically, it’s an unofficial term decided by airplay, The Billboard Hot 100, and you. Usually—and big surprise here—most have the word “summer” in the title, but not always. 

Whether you’re soaking up some sun at the pool, jamming out in the garage, dancing in the rain, cooling off in front of the AC, or enjoying a six-feet-of-separation park picnic, we hope you enjoy this classic to contemporary, all-inclusive, listening and drinking list. Stay safe and healthy!

“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (Jive Records, 1991)

with Fleur de Mer Rosé 2019 ($19)- Côtes de Provence, France

Summertime, time to sit back and unwind with a glass of rosé. Although rosé can be chugged year-round (with some versions suited better for fall) summer is the pink stuff’s prime season as is this Grammy Award-winning summer standard beat from Will Smith a.k.a. “The Fresh Prince” and DJ Jazzy Jeff. The rap suggests, “if it ain’t broke then don’t try to fix it”. Agreed! This Grenache-dominant beauty from Fleur de Mer is also a winner, with the 2018 vintage being awarded a Bronze Medal at the New York International Wine Competition. The rhythmic notes of cherry and herbs in this direct-press style rosé are sure to burst on your palate and get you equipped for the summertime.

The 2020 New York International Wine Competition is being held Sept. 13 and submissions are open now! 

Brandon Hoogenboom via Unsplash

“Rockaway Beach” by The Ramones (Sire Records, 1977) 

with Colloca Estate Winery Dry Riesling 2015 - Fair Haven, NY ($20)

Finding the perfect secluded beach spot may be more of an artful adventure this year. But even so, doesn’t an off-the-beaten beach moment sound divine? Especially if you want to blast some good ol’ fashioned rock-n-roll like this beachy tune. The Ramones released their 1977 career-defining hit, “Rockaway Beach” as an homage to the NYC beach—one of the most popular urban beaches in the country. However, this summer, it might be better to hitch a ride and rock-away to a less-crowded beach in upstate New York on Lake Ontario—a stone’s throw away from Colloca Estate Winery. The winery’s 2015 dry riesling will keep you rockin’ n’ rollin’ all the livelong day with its lip-smacking freshness that begs to be enjoyed beachside. Colloca Estate won Riesling Winery of the Year in 2019 from the New York International Wine Competition.

“I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys (Jive Records, 1999)

with Massican Gemina White Blend 2019 - Napa Valley, California ($35)

The summer of ‘99 gave us many memorable hits, including this teeny-bopper melody from The Backstreet Boys, which fueled the boy band craze of the late 1990s. Many music critics over the years have claimed that the lyrics don’t make any sense—but nevertheless still proved a successful mix. This desirable and dreamy California blend of Pinot Bianco and Greco proves that Massican Winery’s way of doing things ain’t a mistake, either. Massican crafts wines from popular Italian grape varieties including Ribolla Gialla, Tocai Friulano, and Greco—grapes that are uncommon by Napa’s standards. The winery is named for the coastal mountain range in southern Italy of the same name where owner Dan Petroski fell in love with all things Italian. Flirtatious minerality and citrus combine with golden delicious apples and roundness on the palate. Gemina is a perfect marriage of the Old World and New World where tradition and innovation meet. And, we like it that way. 

“Hot Stuff” by  Donna Summer (Casablanca Records, 1979)

with Aslina Chardonnay 2018 - Western Cape, South Africa ($20)

Speaking of songs of “Summer” how’s about some “Hot Stuff”? Donna Summer,  a.k.a. “The Queen of Disco”, hit number one with this sizzlin’ song in the summer of 1979 and also took home the first Grammy Award for the “Best Female Rock Performance” category for the number. Another first for talented black women is South Africa’s first black female winemaker, Ntsiki Biyela, who named her wines after her grandmother, Aslina. Biyela graduated from the esteemed oenology program at Stellenbosch University, and has been awarded many times over. Biyela crafts soulful and inspiring wines from South Africa’s Western Cape and mentors South African youth for success in the wine industry. Aslina’s 2018 Chardonnay is a tropical aromatic cornucopia of melons and pineapple, with a touch of lees contact that adds a finessed finish suited for summer picnics. Get this stuff while it’s hot!

“California Gurls” by Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg (Capitol Records, 2010) 

with A Tribute to Grace Grenache 2017 - Santa Barbara County, CA ($35)

Grenache is a happy sunbather and has fine, fresh, and fierce flavors on lock. It’s no wonder this warm-weather European varietal thrives in California.  A Tribute to Grace is crafted by winemaker Angela Osbourne as a tribute to her late grandmother, Grace. Osbourne has a taste for grenache and works with the grape exclusively. The New Zealand-born winemaker found California, and specifically Santa Barbara County, to be the perfect place to cultivate the sun-loving grape. Interestingly enough, the “California Gurls” singer, Katy Perry, also hails from sunny Santa Barbara. The fun-loving summer hymn praising the women of California still receives much airplay even after its initial splash in the summer of 2010. This rendition of Grace grenache is sourced from multiple Santa Barbara County vineyards with each adding their own personality in the mix. This feminine, perfumed, and voluptuous summer red will have you falling in love with all things California.   

“Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin (Columbia Records, 1999) 

with Matetic Vineyards EQ Syrah 2014 - San Antonio Valley, Chile ($45)

Life is a little “loca” right now—but having a crazy passion for great wines and food has always been upside and inside out. Matetic Vineyards EQ (short for “equilibrium”) aims to balance a perfect harmony between grapevines and the environment through biodynamics and organics. Matetic Vineyards’ sensual and spicy syrah is an equal match for Ricky Martin’s hit that gyrated its way up the charts in the summer of ‘99. The South American tinto tastes of devilishly delicious red and black fruits with hints of mocha and black pepper that tango on your tongue making it an ideal dance partner for a smoky barbecue.  Once you’ve had a taste of the two together you’ll never be the same.

“Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies (Calendar/Kirshner, 1969)

with Moët & Chandon Nectar Imperial Rosé NV - Champagne, France ($70)

It’s fitting that his version of The Sommelier Playlist finishes with some off-dry pink bubbly. Think of another memorable summer: The Summer of ‘69. The Stonewall Riots, the murder of Sharon Tate, Apollo 11 landing on the moon, and Woodstock all made this one for the books. In the midst of all the frantic activity, the fictional cartoon band The Archies reached #1 with this sweet, bubblegum pop track. The feel-good classic 1960s anthem has been covered many times (Ike & Tina Turner, Olivia Newton-John, just to name a couple) and appeared in a number of films and even an episode of The Simpsons. This sweet treat of a sparkler from noteworthy Champagne house Moët & Chandon wraps you up with an intense fruity freshness while cooling you down from the summer heat. Perfect for fruit tarts, soft cheeses, and spicy foods. Oh, honey, honey.