Beyoncé dropped the album of the year on March 29th. If you haven’t listened to Cowboy Carter yet, go ahead and set aside an hour and 18 minutes to immerse yourself in the experience. My lovely colleagues didn’t have a choice - I played it in the shop on a nonstop loop on release day :) Much like the prior releases, Cowboy Carter is a masterclass in genre-bending and social commentary layered over peppy beats and catchy lyrics. I’ve paired American wines with some of my favorite tracks from the album. Grab a bottle or two, turn on the album, and enjoy!
de la boue White Blend - $37.99
Paired with “Ya Ya”
YA YA IS MY JAM. Sorrynotsorry for yelling, but I love how this song crosses genres and says so much while masquerading as an uplifting, poppy jam. In the first verse, Beyoncé tackles a bunch of social issues, all while telling us to clap and bop along. This wine is unexpected, much like the song. “De la boue” means “of the dirt” in French - part of a phrase meaning a longing for a simpler time. This blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay is reminiscent of a garden - not just the flowers, but also the earth. It’s got a unique natty crunch on the finish that reminds you of the origins of your beloved wine. It’s not your everyday white blend - it’s got depth.
Sans Liege “The Offering” GSM - $29.99
Paired with “Jolene”
While Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” was essentially pleading with a gorgeous woman to stay away from her man, Beyoncé’s “Jolene” is much more of warning - don’t start none, won’t be none. Dolly was not confident and unsure of her relationship, but Beyoncé knows who she is and where her relationship stands. She’s in your face and bold with it, much like this wine. “The Offering” is a big, in-your-face red blend from Central Coast, California. All of the ripe red and black berries with a hint of dried herbs and baking spices.
Laely Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon - $45.99
Paired with “Levii’s Jeans”
The song is cute and so is this wine. Plush black fruit (think blackberries, black cherries, and black plums) layered with notes of mocha, cedar, and baking spices. It’s elegantly powerful in the way you expect Napa Cab to be. There’s something comforting and familiar about this wine. Its presence is not announced, but felt. It’s made by (and named for) Laely Heron, a dynamite female winemaker who practices low-intervention methods. Had to have a female winemaker featured for Cowboy Carter!
