It was the 1970s: The streets of America were flooded with people—some fighting for equality, others over a divided war, and still others just to rabble-rouse. Simultaneously, discos were filled with synthetic dopamine and cosmic mirrored balls, which gyrated to the beat of the dancers fixed beneath a dazzling glare of immorality.
The 1970s also saw a culinary and beverage revolution. Fondue parties were on the rise, and competitive Jell-O mold syndicates were beginning to form amongst the nostalgic housewives of the aspic fringed suburbs. On the juice front, boxed wine and straw covered bottles of Chianti hit the ground running. Stateside, the American landscape of wine was forever metamorphosed by the Judgment of Paris, a blind tasting competition in which California’s wines famously beat out their esteemed French counterparts.
With all this nostalgia in mind, what follows is a selection of 1970s-inspired wines that cater to the palette of the modern day drinker. To really get you in the ‘70s spirit, I went ahead and included pairings with classic party snacks of the time, and a feast for the ears via Spotify!
Salcheto Chianti Biskero - $17.99
Paired with a classic cheese ball and crackers
Not your grandma’s Chianti! This wine tastes like kissing your first crush softly with cherry cola flavored lips. It’s an extremely versatile and food friendly wine that you could pair with a classic cheeseball and crackers and a game of Twister, or watch it with the Disney classic, Lady and the Tramp, while you and your sweetheart try to recreate the famous spaghetti scene. The grapes were grown using biodynamic farming practices, and the wine was made in an uber-eco, carbon neutral winery—a nod to keep fighting for the greater good of the world.
Éric Texier Chat Fou Rouge Bagnum - $46.99
Paired with crockpot cocktail meatballs
Although invented by an Aussie in the early 1960s, the box wine craze didn’t grab the attention of the U.S. market until the 1970s. Unlike its glass counterpart, box/bag wine could hold more juice and was generally meant for more affordable, mass-produced plonk. Today however, there are a plethora of high quality, small production box/bag wines meant to be shared. This wine, made by the famed Bordeaux native turned Rhône icon, Eric Texier, is named “Chat Fou" after his self-described crazy cat. Made from a blend of Cinsault, Clairette, and Grenache, this wine drinks like you’re sinking your teeth into the soft, juicy flesh of a perfectly ripe plum. You’ll be the life of the party if you bring this 1.5 L, adult sized, biodynamic juice pouch to sip generously with friends. Throw some grape jelly, frozen homemade meatballs, and Heinz chili sauce into a crock-pot, set to HIGH and dance the night away while you wait for these bite-sized treats to come together. When the wine is gone, and the dancing is done, your meatballs should be ready (2-3 hours).
‘22 Ridge Grenache Blanc - $38.99
Paired with deviled eggs
One of the contestants in the 1976 Judgment of Paris was California’s Ridge Vineyards. They won fifth place in the red wine category, but that doesn't mean you should sleep on their whites. This Grenache Blanc with a smattering of Picpoul tastes of tropical white flowers, green melon, and key lime with mouthwatering minerality that slaps you in the face. It would pair beautifully with an upgraded version of every Southerner’s favorite party snack, devilled eggs. Throw on some fresh herbs, shallot brunoise, and a generous dusting of citrus zest… Heck, how about some beluga caviar? This wine is giving sun-bathing in nothing but high heels and an oversized sun hat while the seaspray glistens on your skin, and the sounds of bossa nova float amidst the cloudless sky. Bon voyage!
