Let’s face it, pairing wine and food has been done to death. There are only so many times one can extol the virtues of Foie Gras and Sauternes. I’m actually getting bored of this subject, let’s move on shall we?

Why do this you ask?  That’s easy, both wine and music are visceral, hedonistic pastimes.  This needs to be done, plus I get to merge the teenaged/twentysomething existence of myself with the current flawed version of me.  Both versions of me are obsessive and wine and music have played integral parts of my Id driven personality.

So, kick back and enjoy some completely unimportant, irreverent dialogue.

The Talking Heads and Alsatian Riesling

Both of these things are funky and intelligent and they also make me wanna dance! I firmly believe that enjoying both of these things together makes you a smarter person; in fact, it makes you a better person. If you are currently listening to “Life During Wartime” and guzzling Marc Tempier Riesling, I would like to hang out with you. My email is bryan@letastevinva.com, please get in touch with me ASAP.

Brahms and Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon

Both of these things are monolithic, monochromatic and make me feel like I have mononucleosis. Boring.

The Band and Hermitage Blanc

Every time I listen to/drink these beauties I think the same thing….”Why don’t I do this more often?” Classic, timeless and the best at what they do. I mean, come on, The Band was so good THEY LEFT BOB DYLAN! 1996 Chapoutier Hermitage Blanc “ De L’Oree” makes reconsider what greatness is.

Dee-Lite and Bandol Rose

Deeply infectious and groove driven with depth and technical appeal…..and that’s the wine! Lady Miss Kir is the sexiest thing ever to come out of either Silver Spring Maryland or the Cote D’Azur.

Priorat and The Black Crowes

Rock and Roll personified. Everytime I drink this wine I crave singing along loudly to “Jealous Again”. Priorat is the sleek dark beauty that you occasionally in life get to make out with in a crowded bar then she disappears leaving you with a warm gooey feeling that lingers on and on.

Portishead and German Riesling

Ethereal and heart wrenchingly poignant, this wine/music combo just makes sense. Silky and razor sharp with layers and textures that go on and on. They also get better with age.

Jack White and Grand Cru Burgundy

No direct correlation here but they are two things that I will seriously consider committing major felonies to acquire.

James Brown and Champagne

No explanation necessary. I would drink/listen to this continually; twenty-four seven if not for the fact that my head would explode from the booster rocket levels of serotonin this would induce.

Until next time,

Bryan Smith

Wine Specialist