We need to savor each moment; wine down and chill this week is dedicated to making the most out of every moment. Today, we’re celebrating like it’s the last dance of your prom or your wedding night when you savor every single beat of that song that’s going to forever be linked to that magical moment. The world is still struggling and all of us behind wine down and chill are here to help you through it by doing our part.
Every Friday, we’re here to offer affordable suggestions for music, wine, dinner and movies with a different wine down and chill theme each week. You can also follow me on Instagram for wine art and photography @WineDownAndChill. We’re here to help you sit back, wine down and chill. If you missed an article, fret not! You can find every article here.
If you like podcasts, well, wouldn’t you know, I’ve got one of those, too! Join me for Women-in-Tech “Like a BOSS” every week for snappy insights in a quick power-up 10-minute format; find it on Apple, iHeart Radio, Spotify and more. And we’re getting ready to launch our weekly wine down and chill podcast!
Theme: savoring moments
It’s like that last dance of the night when you don’t want the evening to end so you savor every single beat.
Listen: the last dance
Of course, there is one and only song that stands above all others when it comes to “The Last Dance.” Nobody did it better than Donna Summer. Spotify has assembled and just released the brilliant playlist behind ESPN’s smash hit documentary of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bull’s domination of the 1990s. And it’s the perfect wine down and chill set of tracks you need to enjoy your wine – and evening.
Learn: Grenache
Grenache wines are the dominant offering from France, specifically the Rhône region where more than 250,000 acres are planted. Gigondas is an appellation of the southern Rhône region which exclusively produces red wines, no whites, and only a small amount of rosé. The Mediterranean climate (hot) and higher elevation (dry) impart unique flavors to the wines. As late ripeners, Grenache grapes tend to have high sugar levels which correlate with higher levels of alcohol and their fermentation can be challenging; only the most experienced winemakers can bring out the best of these grapes.
The Gigondas region is fondly referred to as the “little brother” (translation = affordable) of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape exclusive wine region. Grenache wines from the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region of France are among the most expensive sold where bottles often approach $600.
Wine: Halos de Jupiter Gigondas
Halos de Jupiter Gigondas (2016) is a treat to behold. Although it’s above our typical price point at $27 per bottle, Wine Spectator rates it 93 points so you get what you pay for. Besides, today’s wine down and chill theme is all about savoring each moment of that last dance, so, splurge! Treat yourself to a bottle and enjoy. Every. Last. Drop. And this Grenache- Mourvèdre Rhone medium-bodied red blend can be aged up to 20 years.
Why is this today’s wine down and chill suggestion? Beyond its excellent quality, it’s spot-on for today’s theme. Halos are reserved for the best among us (and those beyond the bounds of Earth). Michel Gassier, their winemaker, and Philippe Cambie, a renowned oenologist, have more than a collaboration. They have a deep friendship and share a passion for rugby, gastronomy and Rhone wines. This wine is big, bold and juicy with plum and red currants punctuated by notes of iron and tobacco. If this isn’t a perfect wine tribute to the cigar loving M.J., then I don’t know what is!
Dine: eat dessert first
Why eat dessert last? In our kitchen, the saying, “Life’s short, eat dessert first,” graces the wall above our pantry. Over here at wine down and chill, we know that food selection and access is still limited in many parts of the country where our readers are, but we know that everyone has access to dessert! Go ahead, make it fun for you and your kids. Mix it up a little and start with dessert first. Then pair this wine with a spicy, heavy and herbal meaty entrée.
Watch: The Last Dance
Naturally, some of those in the shadows of #23, the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time), throw shade but it’s hard to knock the showmanship and relentless pursuit of perfection by Michael Jordan. His $2 billion net worth reflects his talent but doesn’t define it. This week’s wine down and chill suggestion is ESPN’s 10-part mini-series, The Last Dance.
The sports documentary was brilliant from start to finish, albeit a bit jumpy with respect to chronology: I didn’t want it to end. Another thing that I wholly appreciated is how ESPN didn’t release the entire series all at once – you had to wait for it and savor each episode – like the last dance. If you’re into basketball, check out my Kobe Bryant article from earlier this year.
It’s the weekend. Time to wine down and chill. Cheers!
Photo by cottonbro from Pexels
